Harambee

Harambee: An Exploration of Kenyan CultureBy: Julia Dunn

Introduction

Activity

Activity Rules

Listen– To the instrument & participants!

Do not be afraid to switch instruments!

“Hands up”

Geography

Foreign Presence

• The Bantu Migration

Three phases:Brought major groups(ex: Kikuyu)Culturally shaped area

Foreign Presence:The Swahili City States

Foreign Presence:The Swahili City States

TRADE BASED:RECIPRICOL

*Little cultural leveling

*Coastal culture

The 19th Century:British Presence

Berlin Conference of 1884-5

Colonization: Complications

The Mau Mau Rebellion

Jomo KenyattaFirst Kenyan President• Kikuyu origin• New problems

General:

• Common problem

• Long term effect

• Prevented cohesion

Cultural Divisions of “New” Kenya:

Groups did not “share” land(Kikuyu and Luo)

Living together

Introduction of “nationalism”

The Maasai

Call-and-Refrain

Artwork

The Maasai• Most advertised group

• “Noble Savage” critique

• Ultimately effected by attention

Maasai Men Playing Cricket

The Kikuyu

Facts: • Came with Bantu

migration

• Major Political influence

Traditional Kikuyu Dress

Music

• Close contact with Europeans

• Polyrhythmic

Major ceremonial importance

Art rooted in music

An Example

Swahili Coastal Culture

• Highly publicized

• Integrated influence

• Trade area

Taarab

• Sultan Seyyid Barghash bin Said

• Chakacha Rhythm

21st Century

Harambee: Let us all pull together

21st Century Kenyan “Identity” vs. “Tribal Identity”* Melding of groups (esp. in urban areas)

Music

• “Western” African Music

* Afro-Pop, Ragga, Rap

• Cont. : Traditional rhythms used

Social Meaning

• Reflects political problems

• Provide a cohesive medium

Art

• European Influence–Continuation of African Motifs– Revival after independence

Kuona Trust

• Encouragement of youth• Progress

The Young Professionals

• Minority with influence• “Africanness” Subculture

Youth Culture

Youth CultureEmergence of street art

-More independent art

Youth CultureEmergence of street art

-More independent art

Proliferation of Contemporary Music-Ragga and Rap

Bigger Implications

Conclusions