| Kenya’s modern
culture was born out of a myriad of sources and influences,
both old and new and old. Despite the many and varied influences
that have shaped Kenyan society, the culture in Kenya has become
truly and purely Kenyan. If any one thing about Kenya gives
any indication of this unique character today, it is the melting
point of traditional societies and culture with modern norms
and values.
The ease with which Kenyans adopt and adapt to new cultural
influences has a long history. Kenyan culture is built on
the acceptance and absorption of new and varied cultures,
be they migrant nomads or sea – borne traders.
The result is a culture of endless influence and yet one that
is completely Kenyan in culture.
Religion:
Christianity holds sway amongst the majority of Kenyans, particularly
upcountry. 38% of the population is Protestant, 28% Roman
Catholic. Indigenous beliefs linger on in remoter areas like
Turkana, Pokot, Samburu and Maasai tribes. Islam pre dominates
the coast.
Music:
Kenya’s music is varied. Nearly every tribe has its own
musical culture. Drumming has been perfected by peoples like
the Akamba from Eastern Kenya, the coastal Mijikenda. Traditional
instruments like the nyatiti are used by the Luo. The Luo have
a distinctive musical style known as Benga, which has become
an integral part of popular Kenyan music. There is a strong
rhumba influence in Kenyan popular music
A crop of talented young artists who have been inspired by modern
hip hop, R&B, rap and reggae has come up. They have fused
the said genres with Kenyan melodies, lyrics and rhythms to
produce what is variously known as local flava , bumba pop,
genge, or kapuka. |
