Zaituni

Zaituni is a Nairobi-born singer, songwriter, and performer using sound to bridge tradition and modernity. She was raised in a home steeped in melody, where her mother played early Taarab cassettes. These analog recordings, made before synths and keyboards gained prominence, carried the raw essence of Swahili rhythm and drums, imprinting deeply on her artistic sensibilities years later. In 2018, Zaituni began pursuing music professionally, developing a unique style she calls Urban Taarab: a contemporary take on the Swahili coastal genre infused with Arabic scales, intricate vocal runs, and modern sonic elements. Her inspirations include genre pioneers like Siti binti Saad, the first recorded Taarab artist and feminist icon, and Bi Kidude, her fierce musical understudy. Zaituni thrives on stage, where she channels music with instinctive grace and transcendent resonance. Her work frequently explores themes of love and healing, while bringing listeners into vividly imaginative soundscapes. Her debut EP ‘Labor Of Love’ quickly resonated with listeners upon release, while its single “Tamu” continues to draw attention for its sensual, hypnotic pull. Music is her catharsis and has been her sanctuary in moments of healing. She hopes her songs offer the same solace to others while being a catalyst for deeper conversations about the human experience.