With a touch of musical influence from different cultures around the world comes forth a genre of music known as Taarab. Composed of Arabian, Indian and Persian influences, this genre is complete by Swahili lyrics. Taarab speaks of the history of the East African coast. Back then, it was known as the Swahili coast, frequented by explorers from different parts of the world. While trade brought these different people together, interactions shaped the evolution of Taarab music. The genre continues to be popular thanks to outstanding and talented musicians, one being the Queen of chakacha Taarab, Asha Abdow, better known as Malika.
To understand Malika’s significance in Taarab music, one needs to understand chakacha Taarab. This is a subgenre of Taarab music, enjoyed mostly by women of the coast, and performed at Swahili weddings. Chakacha (and generally all Taarab) lyrics touch on different aspects of life, some that are applicable to the bride and groom, but most that are applicable to all in attendance.
Malika’s music journey began in her community. The Swahili are known for their vitendawili, methali and shairi. Bringing these into Taarab music is what gave it its extra flair, and Malika continued in this trend. As more people heard her vocals and songs, and told others about her, it was only a matter of time before her musical journey led her to be a recording artist. Her music was recorded and distributed by Mbwana Radio Service located in Old Town, Mombasa
While little is mentioned of her personal life, there is so much to appreciate about her contribution to music. In 1993, her song ‘Vidonge’ was a hit not just at the coast but around Kenya. Sang with a variation of pitch and tone, it was listed among the top songs in Kenya for two months that year. The song and singer’s popularity saw her perform the hit at fully packed auditoriums in Nairobi. That she was a pioneer female musician was also something to celebrate because up until then, the industry was dominated by men. Her live performance granted her local recognition, and she went on to record with Kenyan music group Them Mushrooms. Another of her catchy songs is ‘Fanya Kuli Hali’ where she sings of passion and the desire for someone. ‘Subira Huvuta Kheri’ is another song by Malika; the title is a methali that translates to ‘patience pulls/attracts successes.’ Almost similarly is ‘Bora Uvumulivu’ both in borrowing from a methali on patience, as well as in sound.
A true veteran in music is one whose songs resonate with people even as time passes; one whose passion for music is remembered for years and years; one who leaves a mark, a legacy in music history. This can be said of Malika whose story started at the coast, and presently continues abroad in the US where she lives. Nonetheless, her music still does what it has always done: teaches important lessons, and brings people together in Swahili marriage rites.
In honour of this chakacha Taarab Queen, we present to you the song to this story ‘Sitaki Sitaki’ by Malika.