This style of Taarab music is deeply rooted in a multicultural past, when the East African coast was ruled by Sultans from Oman. Since colonial times, it has come to be identified with coastal culture in Kenya. True to the tradition, An Noor’s music builds on organ melodies, over which the singers recite their beautiful poetry – mixing in Chakacka, Mwanzele, Kifundo and many other rhythms creates the Taarab texture that is so distinct to the sound of An Noor.
Hailing from Lamu, An Noor is a troupe of more than ten musicians: Percussionists, singers, keyboardist, and flautists. In his arrangements band leader Khalid, who also composes most of their songs, fuses together the Mijikenda sounds of Giriama and Bajuni music with the oriental Taarab rhythms of the inimitable tabla drum.