Musics from Nyanza

This double-CD set is one of the most recent releases of the ever-impeccable Ocora Radio France label. Continuing the French tradition of excellent ethnographic recordings, this collection provides an insight into the musical traditions of Nyanza (the area surrounding Lake Victoria – Nyanza being the local name for the lake). We hear from three peoples – the Luo, Gusii and Kuria – linked to each other through marriage, economic factors and language.

They share a range of lyres such as the nyatiti, while other instruments such as mouth bows, horns and drums combine with voices to create a totally unique sound which, with its often hypnotic quality, is used as part of life-cycle ceremonies. The wonderfully well-presented accompanying booklet (in both French and English) contains extensive notes on the music: even to the point of providing the reader with the tunings of the lyres heard on each track. Although this collection is clearly aimed at those with a specialist interest, there is a depth and drive to the music on Musics from Nyanza that any curious listener will enjoy.