Description
Nations in Africa are struggling to maintain a respectable presence in the world economy, politics and culture. Kenya, in particular, has a strong visibility in its tourism and cultural elements that present the part of the African mien as well as any other continental nation, and music is a significant part of this. This paper was requested and written concerning a Kenyan governmental policy for music industry, music ministry and education in light of their contributions to the nation’s tourist industry. The author spent a U.S. Fulbright grant interviewing in the above vocations, producing, performing and writing music in collaboration with professional musicians, and teaching students and industry professionals. The experience provided the basis for this evaluation of current Kenyan music and its context.
Key words: Music industry, politics, culture, tourist industry, professional musicians, government policy.
