Transcending Space, Time and Culture through Intercultural Musical Dialogue

Abstract

In recent years, the creative industry in Kenya has seen a rise in consumption of art from other countries. This is due to the influence of global and modern trends on local media and the Kenyan audience. Consequently, various stakeholders in the artistic domain have taken personal initiatives to advocate for the production, performance and airing of local art to promote Kenyan content. They strive to appeal to the public’s taste, create demand for Kenyan art, and influence the media as well as government broadcasting policies. Musicians in Nairobi (Kenya’s capital city) for instance, elevate Kenyan music by collaborating with local and foreign bars, restaurants, government and non-governmental organisations which sponsor musical events and provide platforms for them to exhibit their music, and that of other artists. They also redefine the country’s urban sound by localising genres from other countries, incorporating indigenous styles from Kenyan ethnic groups, and reworking Kenyan oldies. By doing that, they interact with individuals from different generations, cultures, and geographical spaces, traversing musical and cultural boundaries, and acquiring new audiences. Using in-depth interviews, I explore how these musicians and other stakeholders in Nairobi’s music scene, manage to promote and create demand for Kenyan styles both locally and internationally. Additionally, observing performances, and interacting with some of the audience members aid in interrogating urban genres that transcend time and space, linking and appealing to various cultures while gaining new audiences.