Taarab music is a popular genre in East Africa which was developed from Islamic roots, using instruments from Africa (percussion), Europe (guitar), Arab Middle East (oud and qanum) and East Asia (taishokoto). Its roots in the melting pot of coastal Africa are reason for its varied influences. It is a fusion of tunes sung in rhythmic poetry with Arabic and Swahili influences and are a feature of wedding music. It is popular in the coastal areas of East Africa, especially in Zanzibar, Tanga, and Lamu. Taarab is also said to have an Egyptian origin, due to the long-term popularity of the Ikhwani Safaa Musical Club. Wherever the Swahili speaking people travelled, Tarabu culture moved with them.