Narrator: 

In Bagamoyo, an old port on the east African coast, lives a Wagogo cattle herder for whom music is a matter of the heart. 

His name is Dr. Hukwe Zawose.

Hukwe: 

“My name is Hukwe Ubi Zawose.”

Narrator: 

Hukwe is a well-known local musician. To help preserve Tanzanian traditions, the government asked Hukwe to start a musical group.

Hukwe:  

“I am here because of my work, so that people can see me, and promote our African music, Tanzanian music, and that makes me happy.” 

Narrator:

Hukwe writes the songs and invents the dance steps. His daughter, Tabu, dances and sings. The group is made up of his family and neighbors. Here, making music is an activity for everyone — from the very young to the very old.  In the garden, grandfather Ubi makes instruments. He has taught these traditional skills to Hukwe and to his grandchildren.

Hukwe:

“This is a Zingira. My father made this instrument. He taught me.”

Narrator:

Far away, the WOMAD festival begins. Short for "World of Music, Art, and Dance”, it brings together musicians from many different countries. At WOMAD, Hukwe and his nephew Charles Zawose are bringing Wagogo music to the rest of the world. They have come here to share their music and culture with others.

Announcer:

“So I'd like to present to you now: Dr. Hukwe Zawose.”

Narrator:

The Zawoses' music is becoming more popular, and they want more people to be able to buy and hear their music, so they're working with a Canadian producer, Michael Brook, to record a new album. 

Combining traditional music with new sounds from other cultures can be quite difficult. The Zawoses need to find a way to take from other cultures while protecting their own traditions. 

Hukwe:

“Here in the world, everybody maintains their culture. White people, the go-gos, Japanese, we have to maintain our own traditions. Even if I take from other people, I have to maintain what's mine too.”

Narrator:

In this way, they hope to grow as musicians, and preserve their music for generations to come.