Lelele Afrika, comprised of Mwanaisha Abdalla Mohamed (Nyota Ndogo) on vocals, Mohammed Adio Shigoo on taishokoto zither, and Mbarak Ali Haji Msuo on harmonium, performs with supporting musicians.
Photo by Josh Weilepp, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Lelele Afrika is a Mombasa-based taarab band with origins in Lamu. Blending cultural influences from the Middle East and India that are also present in many coastal Kenyan foods and crafts, Lelele Afrika has been recognized for its contributions to taarab music by the Spotlight on Kenyan Music Series, an initiative of Alliance Francaise and Ketebul Music.
Mohamed Shigoo, taishakoto zither
Mbarak Ali Hadji, harmonium
Mohamed Mwanaisha Abdalla (Nyota Ndogo), vocals
From the Festival
Harmonium player Mbarak Ali Haji Msuo performs as part of the group Lelele Afrika.
Photo by Josh Weilepp, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Nyota Ndogo performs with Lelele Afrika, a Mombasa-based taarab band with origins in Lamu.
Photo by Michelle Arbeit, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Mohamed Shigoo, a member of Lelele Afrika, performs on the taishakoto zither.
Photo by Willa Friedman, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
Lelele Afrika, comprised of Mwanaisha Abdalla Mohamed (Nyota Ndogo) on vocals, Mohammed Adio Shigoo on taishokoto zither, and Mbarak Ali Haji Msuo on harmonium, performs with supporting musicians.
Photo by Josh Weilepp, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, Smithsonian Institution
