SITI & THE BAND

SITI & THE BAND

Female Empowerment

Rooted in a mystic Island in the Indian Ocean, carrying influences from ancient Arab, Turkish, Indian and African musical traditions whilst fusing them with contemporary music from Jazz to Funk to Reggae and beyond, Siti & The Band are the rising stars from the East African region presenting a virtuous live show sparked with empowering messages.

Inspired by Siti Binti Saad, the Mother of Taarab and known as the first female musician from Zanzibar releasing and touring worldwide, Siti & The Band are keeping her cultural heritage alive: they are stating an example for the new generation of East Africans of whom many are denying their roots - and therefore a crucial element building identity and uniqueness whilst finding their musical voices.

 Their first album “Fusing the Roots” is recorded evidence of the timelessness of Zanzibar’s traditional and contemporary music. The empowering lyrics give a strong feminist statement towards the self-determination of African women. The unique musical compositions have beautifully entangled contemporary rhythms with traditional Taarab. Combined with the empowering message the album translates Zanzibar’s cultural heritage into modern day society.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sauti za Busara (Tanzania), DoaDoa (Uganda), Felabration (Nigeria), ACCESS (Kenya)

• Ogende (Single) - August 2017

• Fusing the Roots (Album) - January 2018

• Interview: Singing the Roots: The Challenging Rise of Zanzibar’s Siti & The Band (June 2018)

• The musician who got a divorce to pursue her passion: BBC World Service - Sasha Gankin (January 17th, 2020)

• A Contemporary Take on Taarab Music, BBC World Service - Alan Kasujja (July 19th, 2019)

• A la Reunion: pendant le IOMMa: les femmes donnent de la! Pan African Music - Hortense Volle (June 7th, 2019)

News.