1. Harambee: An Exploration of
Kenyan Culture
By: Julia Dunn

2. Introduction

3. Activity

4. Activity Rules
Listen– To the instrument & participants!
Do not be afraid to switch instruments!
“Hands up”

5. Geography

6. Foreign Presence
• The Bantu Migration
Three phases:
Brought major groups(ex: Kikuyu)
Culturally shaped area

7. Foreign Presence:
The Swahili City States

8. Foreign Presence:
The Swahili City States
TRADE BASED:
RECIPRICOL
*Little cultural leveling
*Coastal culture

9. The 19th Century:
British Presence

10. Berlin Conference of 1884-5

12. Colonization:
Complications

14. The Mau Mau Rebellion

17. Jomo Kenyatta
First Kenyan President
• Kikuyu origin
• New problems

18. General:
• Common problem
• Long term effect
• Prevented cohesion

19. Cultural Divisions
of “New” Kenya:
Groups did not
“share” land
(Kikuyu and Luo)
Living together
Introduction of
“nationalism”

20. The Maasai

22. Call-and-Refrain

23. Artwork

24. The Maasai
• Most advertised group
• “Noble Savage” critique
• Ultimately effected by
attention
Maasai Men Playing Cricket

25. The Kikuyu
Facts:
• Came with Bantu migration
• Major Political influence
Traditional Kikuyu Dress

27. Music
• Close contact with
Europeans
• Polyrhythmic
Major ceremonial importance
Art rooted in music
An Example

28. Swahili Coastal Culture
• Highly publicized
• Integrated influence
• Trade area

31. Taarab
• Sultan Seyyid Barghash bin
Said
• Chakacha Rhythm

33. 21st Century
Harambee: Let us all pull together

34. 21st Century
Kenyan “Identity” vs. “Tribal Identity”
* Melding of groups (esp. in urban areas)

35. Music
• “Western” African Music
* Afro-Pop, Ragga, Rap
• Cont. : Traditional rhythms
used

37. Social
Meaning
• Reflects political problems
• Provide a cohesive medium

38. Art
• European Influence
–Continuation of African Motifs
– Revival after independence

41. Kuona Trust
• Encouragement of youth
• Progress

44. The Young Professionals
• Minority with influence
• “Africanness” Subculture

45. Youth Culture

46. Youth Culture
Emergence of street art
-More independent art

50. Youth Culture
Emergence of street art
-More independent art
Proliferation of Contemporary Music
-Ragga and Rap
Bigger Implications

51. Conclusions