Zein L’Abdin, from Mombasa, was one of the pivotal figures of the Mombasa taarab scene. He was born on the Island of Lamu where he grew up immersed in the many strands of music brought to the Swahili coast by seafaring traders from the Arab world, India and as far afield as Indonesia.
Taarab is a celebratory social music greatly enjoyed by East Africa’s Muslim and non-Muslim populations alike.
Zein L’Abdin died in 2016.
Discography:
The Swahili Song Book – Oud Master From The Kenya Coast (Dizim Records, 1999)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
