The Maasai people have a rich oral tradition of storytelling and singing. The Maasai mainly sing during ceremonies and whilst travelling. In line with the age-set system, warriors, unmarried girls, women and elders all have their own songs. Warriors sing about bravery, victory, lion hunts and girls. Women typically sing about fertility, cattle, men and forgiveness. Elders sing about past times, society, life.
The lyrics contain many subtle tacit meanings, often hard to capture in a foreign language. The Maasai do not play any music instruments. The only non-vocal sounds heard are the tinkling sound of the many decorations, in particular those of the women, the sound of bells, which warriors sometimes attach to their legs and the sound of sticks of the elders.