Qaswida, also spelled Qasida, is a genre of Islamic music and a form of lyrical poetry that is popular throughout the Swahili-speaking world, including Tanzania, Kenya, and other parts of East Africa.
The word “Qasida” itself is of Arabic origin and historically referred to a classical form of Arabic poetry.
In the East African context, Qaswida has evolved into a musical style that is a fusion of Islamic devotional poetry with local Swahili melodies and rhythms. The songs are typically sung in a group, often a women’s choir, and can be performed with or without musical instruments, sometimes accompanied by simple percussion like drums or clapping.
The lyrics are deeply religious, focusing on themes of praise for Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, and other figures in Islamic history. They also convey moral teachings, tell stories from the Quran, and celebrate Islamic holidays and events.
