V.A. - The Rough Guide To The Music Of Tanzania (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On the East African coast, Tanzania has recently emerged from State control of its music to much greater independence. These days, instead of one mainstream -- muziki wa dansi -- there are three, including the Arabic-sounding taarab and the younger bongo flava that includes singers like Saida Karoli. On Rough Guide to the Music of Tanzania, Karoli performs in a spare, acoustic setting. The disc includes the R&B (with local influence) of Dataz and the hip-hop of X Plastaz. What sticks in the mind for than anything else, however, are the bands like Ottu Jazz Band or the late Ndala Kasheba, whose 12-string guitar powered his band on music influenced by Congolese soukous. The taarab really stands alone, a style utterly apart, and quite beautiful in its ornamentation. Compiler Werner Graebner has included a pair of more traditional tracks, one from the Master Musicians of Tanzania, founded by the late, great Hukwe Zawose. by Chris Nickson
Tracklist:
1 Vijana Jazz Band – Tambiko 5:59
2 X Plastaz – Dunia Dudumizi 4:25
3 Saida Karoli–    Omukaile Kilinjwi 5:45
4 Ikhwani Safaa Musical Club – Vingaravyo 6:15
5 Mlimani Park Orchestra – Rehema 5:47
6 The Master Musicians Of Tanzania – Lukunzi 4:44
7 Mohammed Issa Matona – Msumeno 6:46
8 Ndala Kasheba – Nimlilie Nani? 5:27
9 Dataz – Mume Wa Mtu 4:33
10 Nia Safi & Imani Ngoma Group – Kibati 6:35
11 Ottu Jazz Band – Piga Ua 8:35