Kenya Culture Safaris
Kenya Culture: Tribes
As a society that hosts over 42 different cultures, no wonder Kenya is often referred to as a world wide as a cultural hub. All different tribes provide rare and unique facets to the Kenyan culture; these include dressing, music, religion, TV and theater.

The Maasai especially are world renowned for their signature cover cloths, red hair dye (ochre) and deep cultural beliefs. Even with the intense revolution that came about with the 21st century, Maasai have been reluctant to abandon thier culture and have been known to walk the city streets with their traditional attire. Other communities such as the Luo are also stereotyped to have intense pride for their culture and take much pleasure in indulging themselves in being proud citizens. The Luhya have also been known for their particular love for tea as the Kamba have often been chastised for their “good” fashion sense. Read more Kenya People
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Kenya Culture: Music
Well-liked music in Kenya takes in a broad range of genres of both local and international origin. Within Kenyans, words are one of the most central factors in identifying their music. Instruments used for traditional music must include the great African drum which is used for ceremonial rituals or an entertaining beat instrument and it furthermore produces an excellent sound which makes it suitable for all traditional and urban music. | |
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A variety of rattles and shakers are used to supplement the use of the drum which in turn create a beautiful sound that is adored by many the world over. Traditional Kenyan music often uses instruments from the various tribes and this is what gives many identity. Where religion is concerned, significant parts of the Kenyan population are Christians found largely in land. The Islam religion constitutes of some 30% of the entire populace found mostly around the coast and in the North Eastern parts of the country. The rest of the regions are a mixture of other religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Traditionalism.
Kenya Culture: Theatre
Kenya hosts one of the largest annual stage-show events in east and central Africa. The Kenya National Theatre which is in Nairobi is where most of these drama events are held. Famous performances include the Festival of Creative Arts that shows several stage shows at National Theatre, Alliance Francaise and the Goethe Institute. The famous Phoenix Players, Heartsrings Ensemble and Mombasa Little Theatre Club are other groups often present great theatrical shows that boldly illustarate Kenya’s culture.
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Kenya Culture: Film
Prominent names on the Kenyan film industry include the late actresses Stella Awinja Muka and Naomi Kamau. Renowned producer Judy Kibinge cut a niche for herself and is probably the most renowned theatre producers in the current film industry. Read More about famous films shot in Kenya.
Also notable is the resurgence that the industry experienced in the early 2000 with the efforts of Wahome Mutahi who rebirthed the works of the legendary Ngugi Wa Thiong'o when he partnered with Igiza Productions and collaborated with Titus Gathwe to release a project known as "taking Theatre to the people" which saw them release several productions, mostly political Satires which were originally written by the legend.
Other noteworthy directors include Festival of Creative Arts's Carole Odongo and Mbeki Mwalimu, with Mumbi Kaigwa who are currently the only female directors in Kenya. George Mungai of Phoenix, Keith Pearson, Sammy Mwangi, John Sibiokumu, Victor Ber are directors worth mentioning. All these diverse and artistic facets are what bring more colour into Kenyan Culture.
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