The teachers of the Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA) come from different traditional music groups and represent the finest musicians Zanzibar has to offer. Within the context of the school the teachers have gathered to form a new and unique group: Baladna Taarab. This ensemble specializes in fine instrumental performances akin to a chamber orchestra, featuring oud, qanun, accordion, violin, percussion, ney and occasional guest singers. They are constantly exploring new repertoire and go back to traditional Arabic pieces without losing their uniquely Swahili flavour. They rehearse and perform wherever possible in an acoustic setting where the fine nuances of the instruments are brought out in the best possible light and special emphasis is put on the development of their "taqsim" (instrumental improvisations).
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