Note: This post was updated on September 20, 2008 to incorporate a translation of the song "Marashi ya Pemba" by reader/listener Xodi.
Judging from the feedback I've gotten on the last couple of Tanzanian posts it seems that people just can't get enough of the classic Muziki wa Dansi sound - massed horns, a subtle yet propulsive beat, vocals to make you cry - and who can blame them? I present to you, then, four of the bands that made it happen in Dar es Salaam back in the '80s: Mlimani Park, Vijana Jazz, Maquis Original, and two versions of the International Orchestra Safari Sound (Duku Duku and Ndekule), from the LP Tanzania Hit Parade '88 (Ahadi AHDLP 6005, 1988).
Like those Mlimani Park tracks I posted a couple of weeks ago, this is a Doug Paterson production, and Doug has a great background article on the artists by Werner Graebner over on his site. Enjoy!
Vijana Jazz Orchestra - Mundinde
Maquis Original - Clara
Reader/listener Xodi writes: "Marashi ya Pemba - this brings back lots of memories - my translation is probably not the best nor is it quite complete but I think it conveys the essence of the song:
at dawn the sea breeze hit meInternational Orchestra Safari Sound (Duku Duku) - Marashi ya Pemba
i saw the star in the east
to live on an island mama has its own sweetness
mafia pemba zanzibar - our islands
the day I get to pemba
the wife of the sultan shall organize
that I get to explore all its sections - till the last
the perfume of Pemba
Cloves!
I will not be left behind - I will get on a plane to Pemba
I hear it is very nice (there)
that in the evening there is a seabreeze/light wind
that it smells strongly of cloves
International Orchestra Safari Sound (Ndekule) - Christina Moshi
Vijana Jazz Orchestra - Chaurembo
DDC Mlimani Park Orchestra - Hasira
Update: You know what would be really nice? If someone who knows Swahili could fill us in on what the lyrics are all about. C'mon! I know you're out there!
