An Unusual Way to Attract Fans to a Concert

I have not had the pleasure yet of hearing a Taraab Music Concert but I am looking forward to it. Taraab or Tarabu music is is a fusion of Swahili tunes sung in rhythmic poem spiced with Arabic or at times Indian melodies. It is found all over East Africa including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.

I recently read of an interesting ritual shortly before a Taraab concert in Dar Es Salaam.  Shortly after crew was finished setting up the stage the lead singer showed up with a whisker and some liquid in a container which he splashed around the hall.  When asked about the significance for doing this he stated this was a routine that he does before the show to attract more fans.  Did it work?  Well it was reported that there was a full house!

Perhaps some new and up and coming artists in this country might want to give it a try to increase their popularity!  If you want to hear some of this music check it out on ITunes or other music library locations.