Chakacha: Sensual dance that never left Mombasa

Secular artist Nyota Ndogo performs on stage during the Kenyan Love story festival at KICC courtyard on February 10, 2018.[Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Chakacha got resurgent interest from dancer Princess Farida via her pelvic pirouette in transparent waist wrap-around, paving way for the solo artiste, Nyota Ndogo (Mwanaisha Abdallah), who infused pop to create an urban Taarab and Chakacha beat in the 2000s.

That notwithstanding, Chakacha has rarely been copied by musicians beyond the coast, like say benga which was adapted by musicians from Western, Eastern and Central Kenya. Even Them Mushrooms and Nyota Ndogo moving and pitching tent in Nairobi did not give Chakacha an urban appeal.