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.