“TOGETHER, THE THROAT-SINGING AND DANCING COMBINE TO CREATE AN ARRESTING RHYTHMIC DISPLAY” The adamu begins with the olaranyani (lead singer) singing the first line or title (namba) of a song, with the rest of the group responding in unison. The olaranyani then continues with the verse over the group’s throat-singing. The songs, which follow themes, each have their own namba structure with a call-andresponse pattern that varies between songs. The distinctive neck movements are largely a result of the style of singing. On an outbreath the singer’s head leans forward, and then tilts back for an inward breath. Careful movements of the lips, tongue, larynx and jaw all combine to create the beautiful sound that accompanies adumu. One of the characteristics of the Maasai’s singing is that it uses drone polyphony, where one note is held continuously through the song, something that other African tribes don’t usually do. Together, the throat-singing and dancing combine to create an arresting rhythmic display, which has made this aspect of Maasai life recognisable around the world. Preserving tradition in a modern world A semi-nomadic and pastoral people, the Maasai live by herding cattle and goats. So it is unsurprising that one of the biggest challenges they’ve faced is the diminishing size of the land they live on, first as the Europeans arrived in Africa, and then as cities grew and surrounding societies modernised. Despite this, the Maasai have maintained their traditions, determined to preserve their culture and way of life for future generations.
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