Romance Revolution

Siti of Unguja is a marvel of Swahili rhythms, Indian melodies, and Siti Muharam’s rich, emotion-filled tenor. It’s an atmospheric ode to the Zanzibari women who challenged norms in the male-dominated taarab world, and paved the way for generations of female taarab singers. First among them is Siti Binti Saad, Muharam’s great grandmother. Muharam  continues her legacy by reinterpreting Saad’s poetic standards and staying true to her melodies and scales, but this is no mere work of imitation: by adding touches of synth, sax, and electronic percussion, Muharam is breathing new life into taarab tradition.