Songs of the Iraqw

Iraqw history comes to life in their songs. A source of a new song is often the storytelling of an event. But, the event is referred to by mentioning an essential detail, such as a name, rather than systematically singing about what happened. The reality of the event is reduced poetically to one central theme. The reference to the event reminds the singers and the audience about what happened. Over time, this memory dilutes. The central theme becomes independent from its inspiration and develops as a myth.

Listen to the podcast below to hear a selection of Iraqw songs and information about their histories.