In those days

"I was inspired to create a piece reflecting the complex history of this World Heritage Site via the personal recollections of a centenarian with fond memories of growing up on such a cosmopolitan coast. And yet if we go further back, more complicated histories also reside here - and so I wanted to refer to that ambiguity sonically - especially in a place which is now such a tourist destination. 

"I used the field recording to create a portal in and out of the space and also to make a few new sounds scattered around the piece. It’s a beautifully vibrant street soundscape to be able to springboard from in various ways. This is a place where I have travelled and experienced sonic histories constantly emanating - each element telling a different origin story - looping back to the present day where sounds reveal the past and present intertwined.

"I included sounds of a call to prayer, ocean and also words from a guide at the Anglican Cathedral - the music also includes Indian vocals, a background Swahili church service and my own musical response. I wanted diverse sounds reflecting the different communities and elements revolving within and around such a rich and multi-layered place."

Market in Stone  Town, Zanzibar reimagined by RADIA.

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This sound is part of the Sonic Heritage project, exploring the sounds of the world’s most famous sights.

Find out more and explore the whole project: https://www.citiesandmemory.com/heritage