The Multicultural Dilemma

“Do ya’ll have McDonald’s where you’re from?” Asks a plump, dark haired boy turning around in his chair to gauge my reaction while wearing a smug smirk on his face.

“Oh my word Jared, you’re so stupid, shut up. Ignore him!”, says a blonde racially ambiguous teenager with a thick southern accent.

“Do you have houses where you’re from?” another teen asks.

I sit there with a blank look on my face thinking, “Um, no, we live in huts and trees, what the heck did he just ask me? Doesn’t he know our homes are built with actual bricks and cement?”

“I like your pigtails” says a short, perky white girl and I quietly thank the Gods that because she doesn’t know any better, what would have been regarded as lazy and unkempt is somehow cool in this instance. 

It’s the first day of school, and I’ve just been introduced to the class as the girl from Africa. Never mind which country in Africa, because as long as it’s not Kenya, they’ve probably never heard of it. I’m in a small, conservative private Christian school in the middle of nobody knows, Virginia.

In the months that follow, I barely speak to these new faces, let alone make any new friends. But as divine providence would have it, I have four other siblings attending the same school. They provide me with the familiarity and connection I desperately need and have now left behind in the form of friends, family and acquaintances back home in Tanzania, East Africa. 

My younger siblings being more malleable and adaptable adjust quickly and make new friends. Unique personality traits exert a substantial influence as I seem to be having the most trouble making new connections. Every time someone tries, they are met with a polite but mostly standoffish attitude from a fourteen-year-old on the cusp of puberty. 

Mentally speaking, I, the fourteen-year-old, am in limbo. Something doesn’t quite fit the way it should about this new place and these new faces. Before the big move, I’ve only crossed paths with a handful of western foreigners. I’ve assumed they all smell nice and that they’re all missionaries. Well, some are pastors and doctors too. 

The move has been anticipated for months in advance. I’ve said my goodbyes, and I’ve done all the “I’m going to America” bragging that I can do. I’ve anxiously counted down the days to this new adventure so now that I’m here, I can’t understand why I feel this way. Why I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me. Why I feel cut off and disconnected.

[…an experience a person may have when one moves to a cultural environment which is different from one’s own; it is also the personal disorientation a person may feel when experiencing an unfamiliar way of life due to immigration or a visit to a new country, a move between social environments, or simply transition to another type of life.]

When I learn of the term “Culture Shock”, I start to feel like I can begin to describe my experience. Ironically, it’s not the culture that I find the most shocking. I actually find this new culture to be liberating and much more conducive to my spirited and inquisitive nature. It allows me to explore concepts and ways of living that would not only be taboo but also proper causes for alienation and punishment in my native culture. 

It’s not the new that’s bothers me, it’s the old. It’s as if fourteen-year-old me is frozen in time. Like she’s been catapulted through time to a future in which she doesn’t belong. And even as I turn fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, the feeling fades but it doesn’t completely go away. 

I gradually warm up to my new geographical crib, but there remains that faint sense of unease. A constant gnawing, a scratching sound from behind a locked door. Something long forgotten wanting to be revisited, to be seen, to be examined. Eventually, I decide at age 24 that I can’t live without knowing what’s behind that door. So I book a one-way ticket to Dar-es-salaam within two days of making the decision. My family attempts to talk me out of it but when my mind is made up, it truly is made up. This is the way. 

Even though the decision is mine this time around, I am not prepared like I was the first time around. I find the same cultural attitudes and dispositions that I left behind but with a twist. 

To know more about what happens next, stay tuned for part 2! I compare and contrast the differences in culture and values and explore some critical issues.

Roadside food vendors: Are they a necessity?

Written by: Vanessa Mwingira

Evenings in the streets of Dar es Salaam with the vast food stalls feels like a survival game for your wallet, will it be safe tonight or will you go home knowing you have gone over the budget? You get down from the bus with one goal in mind, to reach home. However, you spot a table that sells seafood, and you lose focus. I am sure it has happened to most of us. 

With these vibrant tables that sell seafood like calamari for two hundred shillings per piece, grilled beef on sticks famously known as ‘mishkaki’ and plantain smoked to perfection offered at five hundred shillings per piece. Hot chapatis served with different side dishes like beans and meat stew for a generous price of three thousand shillings and not forgetting the chips stalls that taste better than home-made chips, how can you resist?

To make these spots more attractive to passerby’s, vendors place benches, chairs and makeshifts table so their customers can sit. In exchange, meals are bought and discussions about social issues are made between strangers. “I didn’t plan on coming here, I was just passing then I saw the seafood table” said Edna while picking up more calamari pieces from the table with a toothpick. “I can spend almost two thousand shillings here, there are affordable, and they satisfy my cravings.”

While some people eat out in the streets because of cravings, others do so since it is the only affordable option. These spaces become more than food stalls, it is where some people have all their meals at times. According to Juma, a chapati seller in Tabata Shule, he starts making chapati around 7pm to target people who are coming back from work. Another passerby informs a person next to them, “we need to get fried fish, cook it and eat it with ugali and our day is over”.

That is the quiet truth, for those with minimum income, these vendors are essential. They make sure that the bajaj driver heading home after a long day driving and a university student have a chance to grab and eat a good meal even on a tight budget.

Street food vendors are a necessity, they are the ones who make it possible for thousands of Dar es Salaam residents to eat every day, without them, daily life in this city would be much harder.

 

H.i.k.i. By Ebreezy

Released on February 8, 2023, the album H.I.K.I marks a significant creative step for the artist Ebreezy.  The title itself — H.I.K.I — stands for High Inspired Kept Kingdom Instincts, giving us a glimpse into the conceptual framework behind the project. 

Context & Artist Background

Ebreezy is an artist whose work spans multiple facets of modern musical expression, blending influences and personal narrative. While detailed biographical material isn’t copious, his discography shows a continuing evolution in both sound and ambition. The release of H.I.K.I comes after previous works such as “Girls Ain’t Innocent” (2022) and the EP Wat’s In The Vault Pt. 2. 

By choosing the subtitle “High Inspired Kept Kingdom Instincts,” Ebreezy hints at a commitment to authenticity (“Kept”), sovereignty of self (“Kingdom”), and tapping into innate creativity (“Instincts”). The “High Inspired” portion suggests striving toward elevated vision or purpose.

Tracklist & Musical Flow

The album consists of eight tracks, totaling approximately 30 minutes.  Here is the tracklist:

Intro (hapa)— 2:47  Twende — 4:00  Mpishi — 4:26  Kwanini We — 4:12  This Town — 3:50  Ukweli wa Amani — 4:19  Mawazo — 3:37  Outro (Paa/Ngangara)— 3:31 

Musically, the album weaves through reflections on place (“This Town”), internal dialogue (“Mawazo” which means “thoughts” in Swahili), and a broader peace-seeking (“Ukweli wa Amani” translates roughly to “Truth of Peace”). The use of Swahili titles suggests cultural layering and invites listeners to interpret identity and experience through a diasporic or multilingual lens.

Themes & Highlights

Identity & Place: With songs like “This Town,” Ebreezy explores a sense of belonging or dislocation, perhaps both the literal and metaphorical town one inhabits and the internal town of self. Reflection & Instinct: Tracks such as “Mawazo” and “Kwanini We” (which could be interpreted as “Why Us?” or “Why You?”) delve into self-reasoning, questioning, and introspection. Peace & Truth: “Ukweli wa Amani” stands out for its thematic weight: truth and peace are presented as intertwined, suggesting a spiritual or philosophical core to the project. Cultural Language Play: The mixture of English with Swahili (and potentially other languages or influences) gives the album a textured feel, and invites listeners from varied backgrounds to engage with its layered meanings.

Production & Sound

The sound of H.I.K.I reflects precision, intention, and balance — eight tracks and thirty minutes of pure cohesion. Rather than reaching for commercial appeal, Ebreezy curates an experience that feels deliberate and tightly woven. Every beat, vocal layer, and instrumental texture speaks to a deeper vision: one rooted in instinct, collaboration, and authenticity.

Behind the scenes, a powerful creative collective helped bring that vision to life. Hardworknation Marketing Company provided unwavering support and direction, ensuring that every detail aligned with the project’s essence. The sonic craftsmanship unfolded across borders, with contributions from Soundking, Little Africa, Asili Sound, 6 Records, and E.F.N — connecting studios in Switzerland, Tanzania, and the United States.

The production energy of GQ, Kichwa Touch, Eric Wilson, Domi Beats, Black Culture, Sajo, and Rage Infinite Producer infused H.I.K.I with its dynamic texture and emotional resonance. Visually, Ezra Brown and Mr. Filly translated the album’s depth into a striking design that mirrors its spiritual and creative tone.

The project’s poetic and vocal layers were further elevated by Mac Leisian, Asteria Official (TZ Poets), MC Koba TZ, Britney Marie, and Torrence Bristaw, guided the coordination between process with precision each adding rhythm, reflection, and soul. Charissa Stephens harmonies added warmth and textedture to the soundscape , Abbas Max brother

Together, this collective transformed H.I.K.I into more than just an album — it became a movement. A manifestation of Highly Inspired Kept Kingdom Instincts, where intuition meets discipline and collaboration breathes life into art.

Listeners will notice a seamless blend of mid-tempo rhythms, introspective lyricism, and cultural inflections that set this project apart from mainstream releases. The album leans toward artful exploration rather than formulaic radio singles — though tracks like “This Town” show strong crossover potential. Songs such as “Mpishi” (“cook” in Swahili) reveal Ebreezy’s layered storytelling, using metaphor to speak about creativity, process, and self-evolution.

Why It Matters

It showcases an artist choosing intention over mass volume: shorter tracklist, maintained theme. It marries cultural roots (via language and titles) with universally relatable themes (identity, place, peace). It positions Ebreezy as someone to watch: creative, reflective, and unafraid of nuance. In a music landscape often driven by singles and streaming fluff, H.I.K.I stands out as a cohesive body of work.

Final Thoughts

H.I.K.I is more than an album—it is a statement. Through the lens of “High Inspired Kept Kingdom Instincts,” Ebreezy invites listeners into his world: one shaped by thought, culture, place, and purpose. Whether you’re drawn to rich lyricism, cross-cultural texture, or just good music that has something to say, this project is worth exploring.

By the Tanzanian

Yanga Sports Club: A Chance At The Throne

Young African Sports Club (Yanga SC) has been short of spectacular these past  few months with their remarkable success that has sent waves across Tanzanian  football. Once in the orbit of their number one competitors, Simba Sports Club,  Yanga has claimed its dominance by achieving significant success both locally and  

in continental competitions. This is seen not only in the form of their wins and  trophies but how they showed their strength as a team and attracting their rival’s attention, especially the fans of Simba SC. 

Yanga has been playing with unity, tactical intelligence and showing great talent,  all made possible by excellent coaching stuff and bringing in experienced foreign  players and seasonal technical bench. This has enabled Yanga SC to deliver  progress which can be seen evidently in different matches and in competitions like  the CAF Confederation Cup.  

With the entire buzz on Yanga, their main rivals Simba, mostly the fans of Simba  Sports Club have noticed. Since they have been known to be number one in 

Tanzanian football in recent years, the shift in power these last few months has  brought upon mixed reactions from Simba fans. With the possibility of Yanga  being number one in Tanzanian football, Simba fans have shown recognition in  both a positive and negative manner. 

“I give them (Yanga) their credit because they did work hard these last matches.”  Faisal, a fan of Simba said. “With all the changes that they made in their team, they  have to play well but they should not be so comfortable because Simba will bounce  back because we always do,” he finished.  

The sentiment of respect, mixed with caution is echoed by other Simba fans.  Fredrick, another fan of Simba shared his thoughts: “I understand that all the glory  is towards Yanga for now and they deserve it with the way they are playing,  having consistence to winning each match, they even entered the competitions of  CAF Confederation Cup but it should not go past people’s minds that Simba has  been and will always be number one. For now, Yanga can bask in the glory but  while watching out for Simba.” 

The success of Yanga SC has increased the quality of football in the country. With all the winnings, the team has been able to get more points to qualify for the CAF  Cup and this has not only kept Tanzanian football on the continental competitions but also brought the fans of football in Tanzania altogether with a common cause  of supporting their team compete for the cup.  

The challenge Yanga will face now is to maintain this momentum. Since Simba SC won’t go and let Yanga SC become the top team, they will work even harder to  reclaim their spot and hence making the next seasons of football more interesting  in the perspective of all football fans. 

Another Simba fan, Ibrahim said, “Yanga may have their time now but they should  not forget that Simba has been at the top for many years and so taking that into  account and the matter of having many younger players, Simba will fight back and  come back bigger and better.” If that is not a sure point of the rivalry between these  two teams, well nothing else is. 

In the end, the evolution of Yanga SC is evidence enough that any other club can  challenge themselves for the top spot. This has given Tanzanian football a boost of  confidence to reach for the sky in football world. And since the competition is still  ongoing with this premier league, Yanga SC may have the glory for now but the  story is far from over as Simba SC still roars for its throne as the best sports club in  Tanzania. 

25 Years of Green Acres: A Q&A with Managing Director Jacklyne Rushaigo

as Green Acres celebrates 25 years of shaping minds and building futures, we sat down with Jacklyne Rushaigo, Managing Director of Green Acres, to reflect on the school’s journey — from its founding vision to the milestones, challenges, and hopes that continue to guide its path forward.

1. The Original Vision and Its Fulfillment

Q: When Green Acres was founded 25 years ago, what was the original vision?

A: When Green Acres was founded 25 years ago, the original vision was to create a holistic learning environment that didn’t just focus on academic excellence but also nurtured well-rounded individuals. We envisioned a school that would foster critical thinking, creativity, and a strong sense of community, all while instilling Tanzanian values and a global perspective. We wanted to be a place where every child felt valued and empowered to reach their full potential, not just in their studies but as contributing members of society.
I believe we’ve come incredibly close to fulfilling this vision. Our students consistently excel academically, but more importantly, they graduate as confident, compassionate, and engaged young people. We see them initiating community projects, embracing innovation, and becoming leaders in various fields, both locally and internationally.

2. Early Challenges and Their Impact

Q: What were some of the early challenges Green Acres faced, and how did they shape the school?

A: The early years of Green Acres were certainly not without their hurdles. One of the biggest challenges was establishing credibility and trust among giant Government schools. As a new school, we had to prove our commitment to quality education and our unique approach. This meant investing heavily in qualified teachers and ensuring our facilities met high standards, often with limited resources. We had to be innovative in our recruitment and professional development, focusing on continuous learning and creating a supportive environment for our staff.
These challenges profoundly shaped Green Acres into the institution it is today. They instilled in us a deep sense of resilience and adaptability. We learned to be resourceful, to prioritize our investments wisely, and to continuously innovate.

3. Evolution Over 25 Years

Q: How has Green Acres evolved over the past 25 years?

A: Green Acres has evolved significantly over the past 25 years in several key areas:

● Curriculum: While our core commitment to academic rigor remains, our curriculum has become far more student-centered and inquiry-based. We’ve integrated more project-based learning, technology, and real-world applications to make learning more engaging and relevant. For example, our science labs are now equipped with advanced technology, and we’ve introduced entrepreneurship programs that allow students to develop their own business ideas.

● Student Outcomes: Beyond just academic results, which have consistently improved, we’ve seen a marked increase in our students’ global awareness and civic engagement. They are more confident communicators, critical thinkers, and active participants in community development initiatives. Our alumni are pursuing diverse paths, from medicine and engineering to entrepreneurship and creative arts, both in Tanzania and abroad, demonstrating the breadth of our impact.

4. Green Acres’ Proudest Achievement

Q: What do you consider the school’s proudest achievement?

A: Without a doubt, Green Acres’ proudest achievement to date is the impact our alumni are making in Tanzania and beyond. Seeing our graduates become leaders, innovators, and compassionate citizens who are actively contributing to positive change is the ultimate validation of our mission.
For instance, we have alumni who are now successful medical professionals, lawyers, teachers, engineers, architects and so on. Their collective success stories are a testament to the strong foundation they received at Green Acres and our most cherished legacy.

5. Leadership Philosophy

Q: What is your leadership philosophy at Green Acres?

A: My leadership philosophy at Green Acres has always been rooted in empowerment and collaborative growth. I believe in fostering an environment where every member of the school community – students, teachers, and staff – feels empowered to take ownership, innovate, and contribute their unique strengths.

6. What Makes Green Acres Different

Q: What sets the Green Acres learning environment apart from other schools?

A: What truly sets the Green Acres learning environment apart from other schools is our unwavering commitment to nurturing individual potential within a strong community framework. We don’t just focus on academic results; we prioritize the holistic development of each child.
We pay more attention to individualized student attention, emphasis on character development, vibrant extra-curricular programs, and a strong sense of familyhood.

7. Role of the Alumni Community

Q: What role has the alumni community played in Green Acres’ legacy?

A: The alumni community has played an absolutely vital role in shaping the Green Acres legacy. They are our most powerful ambassadors and living proof of the school’s impact. Their contributions extend beyond mere financial support; they actively mentor current students, share their experiences, and inspire the next generation.

8. School-Community Relationship Development

Q: How has the relationship between Green Acres and its surrounding community evolved?

A: The relationship between Green Acres and its surrounding community has developed from one of initial establishment to a deeply integrated and mutually beneficial partnership.
In the early years, our focus was primarily on building our school and establishing our presence. Over time, however, we realized the immense value of actively engaging with our neighbors. We’ve moved beyond being just a physical presence to becoming an integral part of the local fabric.

9. Hopes and Goals for the Next 25 Years

Q: What are your hopes and goals for Green Acres in the next 25 years?

A: As we look ahead to the next 25 years, my hopes and goals for Green Acres are ambitious yet firmly rooted in our foundational vision:

● Deepening our Impact: I envision Green Acres becoming an even greater force for positive change in Tanzania. This means expanding our outreach programs, particularly in areas of teacher training and curriculum development for underprivileged students, sharing our expertise more widely.

● Embracing Innovation: We aim to be at the forefront of educational innovation, integrating cutting-edge technology and pedagogical approaches to prepare our students for a rapidly evolving world. This includes exploring AI in education and further developing personalized learning pathways.

● Sustainable Growth: We plan for sustainable growth, ensuring that any expansion of our facilities or programs maintains our high standards of quality and our close-knit community feel. This also includes a strong focus on environmental sustainability within our campus operations.

● Strengthening Alumni Network: We will further cultivate our alumni network, creating even more robust mentorship programs and platforms for them to collaborate and contribute to the school’s ongoing success and the development of Tanzania.

10. Message to Current Students, Staff, and Alumni

Q: Do you have a message for the students, staff, and alumni of Green Acres on this milestone?

A: As we reflect on this incredible 25-year milestone, my message to our current students, dedicated staff, and cherished alumni is simple yet profound:
To our students: You are the heart of Green Acres. Embrace every opportunity, learn with curiosity, and always remember the values instilled in you. Dream big, work hard, and never stop striving to make a positive difference in the world. The future is yours to shape, and we have every confidence in your ability to lead with integrity and compassion.
To our staff: Your unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment are the bedrock of Green Acres’ success. You are not just teaching subjects; you are shaping futures, inspiring minds, and building character. Thank you for your tireless efforts, your innovative spirit, and for creating such a nurturing environment for our students. Let’s continue to learn and grow together.
To our alumni: You are our living legacy. Your achievements fill us with immense pride, and your continued engagement is invaluable. Remember the lessons learned within these walls, carry forward the spirit of Green Acres, and continue to be ambassadors of excellence and service wherever you go. Your support, guidance, and inspiration are crucial as we embark on the next 25 years.

Together, we have built something truly special. Let’s celebrate this quarter-century of excellence and look forward to an even brighter future for Green Acres!

Swahili Night in Maryland: Melting pot of East African cultures in US

Despite the tension about deportation and detention of rights activists between Kenya and Tanzania, Saturday May 17, proved to be a pivotal day for diasporans from East Africa, who gathered for food, drinks and music in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, USA, in this years of Swahili Night.

It was an “All You Can Eat” menu of Swahili food, good music and chilled vibes. The night’s events began at around 7pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), with a welcome by the MC, Voice of America Swahili Anchor Sunday Shomari

Dj Benny was spun a riveting mix of bongo flava, Lingala, taarab, benga and rhumba tunes from both the old school and more contemporary genres.

The menu comprised sumptuous, exquisite East Africa delights, including nyama choma, samosas, biriani, pilau, mandazi, fried fish, goat soup and sukumuwiki (Kale)

To wash these delicacies smoothly down was spiced East African tea with a touch of Zanzibari cloves and exotic spices. This provided a mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that engaged the attendees taste buds.

The Swahili Night goes back to the early 2000s. Guests came from a range of states in the US including Florida, New York, Virginia, the Federal Capitol Washington DC and Virginia

Nationalities represented included Tanzanians, Kenyans, Ugandans, Congolese and Americans. The events was headlined by famous Tanzanian rappers Ibrahim Mussa aka Roma Mkatoliki and David Mlelwa aka Young Dee.

According to the MC Shomari, Swahili Night is important because of its centrality in preserving the cultural identity of East Africans. It reinforces the strong cultural heritage among East Africans in the diaspora while transferring cultural norms, mores and traditions to the younger generation of East Africans born in the USA

Swahili night also affords East Africans a platforms in the US to assert their presence in a political environment that can become xenophobic and unwelcoming to foreigners. Mr Shomari said: “Swahili Night provides networking opportunities for East Africans to connect with each other over food, music and camaraderie.”

With the current tensions between Nairobi and Dodoma over the deportation and detention of Kenyans attempting to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, Swahili Night affords the diaspora community of East Africans a chance to come together in a unity, solidarity and consanguinity

The Tanzanian rappers freely mingled with guests. The air was filled with a varied tone of voices enjoying the evening in conversation, laughter and exaltation as attendees danced to the pulsating music rolling off the discs of Dj Benny’s system.

Carol, a Kenyan in Maryland, who attended the event said: “This event is an important part of the annual calendar for East Africans. It is must-attend social jamboree that brings together a mosaic of nationalities, cultures and races”

Ogum from Uganda said, “Im glad to see we had matooke on the menu. The Spices used are Zanzibari, which gives the matooke a flavor a bit different from what i am used in kampala. I liked it though”

Most attendees shied away from discussing the political firestorm that was occurring 8000 miles away in both Kenya and Tanzania over deportations and detentions of Kenyan activists and legal literati.

However, Edward Mariga from Kenya was bullish in his opinion of the deportations arguing the suluhu administration had panicked and acted in an overhanded manner. Something not good for the East Africans Community He stated that i am disappointed with the treatment of Martha Karua and former Cj Willy Mutunga. Their Deportation from Tanzania for simply wanting to attend the trial of a major Tanzanian political figure is unnecessary and undiplomatic

This meeting of East Africa diaspora created a forum for East Africans to network, socialize and build human to human contacts which enhances the warmth, Africanness and unity of being East Africans in the diaspora

Maria Clementina: A Beauty Journey Rooted in Identity, Culture, and Inclusivity

n a world where beauty standards are constantly evolving, MariaClementina Beauty stands out as more than just a cosmetics brand—it’s a movement. Founded in 2019 in the heart of Maryland, this brand began humbly in a home studio but has grown into a beacon of empowerment, cultural pride, and authentic representation.

From the Runway to Radiance

MariaClementina’s path to entrepreneurship began on the runway. For a decade, from 2009 to 2019, she worked as a model—an experience that illuminated the glaring gaps in the beauty industry. Time and again, she found herself in makeup chairs where the artists weren’t equipped to work with deeper skin tones. The lack of inclusivity extended beyond foundation shades—it was a systemic issue of invisibility.

Rather than settle for a seat at someone else’s table, MariaClementina set out to build her own. Her modeling journey, marked by both glamour and frustration, inspired her to create a brand where diversity isn’t a trend—it’s the foundation.

A Name with Meaning

The name “MariaClementina” carries a powerful story of healing and self-affirmation. For much of her life, she was known simply as “Maria.” But in 2017, following a deeply traumatic experience, a stranger reminded her of the strength and identity embedded in her full name. That encounter transformed her perspective. Reclaiming her full name became an act of empowerment—and a promise to never diminish herself again. Today, that promise lives on through her brand.

Redefining Beauty Standards

Since its inception, MariaClementina Beauty has embraced a mission that goes beyond products. The brand entered a market that was beginning to stir with calls for inclusion—fueled, in part, by the success of Fenty Beauty’s wide range of foundation shades. While progress has been made, MariaClementina knows the journey is far from over.

“There’s still so much work to do,” she says. “Underrepresentation is real. My goal is to create products for all skin tones and types—not just what’s popular.”

Culture in Every Touch

What truly sets MariaClementina Beauty apart is the personal experience it offers. As a first-generation Tanzanian, MariaClementina brings her rich cultural heritage into every booking. From her chair, clients don’t just walk away with flawless makeup—they leave with a sense of affirmation. Her mantra? “Be-YOU-t-FULL.”

Each product tells a story, with names inspired by Swahili and Luhaya languages—a tribute to her Tanzanian roots. Through this, she’s not just celebrating beauty, but also sharing culture, language, and identity in a space that often overlooks them.

A Future Fueled by Vision

The beauty industry has evolved in recent years, embracing cleaner, more ethical products and widening the lens of inclusion. MariaClementina Beauty is pushing those boundaries further by offering vegan cosmetics and skincare solutions that prioritize both people and the planet.

From a home studio in Maryland to a growing voice in the beauty world, MariaClementina’s journey is a reminder that beauty is more than skin deep—it’s about belonging, identity, and the courage to create space where there was none.

The Soundtrack of Tanzania: A Musical Experience Spread Over A Period of 15 Years Filled With Concerts and Music Festivals

By Anne Tendwa

In the past 15 years, Tanzania has undergone a paradigm shift, one that has seen this nation full of musical prospects metamorphosize into one that hosts numerous concerts and music festivals overflowing with beats around the beautiful country. From the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar to the lively urban center of Dar es Salaam, the music of this African region has transformed into a rich tapestry of culture and exuberance.

This was 15 years back; I remember Tanzania music as a rich diverse game that was and still is, a well- kept secret. Today, it is like there is a never-ending stream of music festivals in the country that can be resourcefully termed as – ‘press play. The emergence of Bongo Flava, a genre that incorporates hip hop with traditional Tanzanian music, has won the hearts of many. Stars like Diamond Platnumz and Vanessa Mdee have become a global phenomenon and not just in Africa which has helped promote the music of Tanzania in the world.

The music festivals in Tanzania take place for the sake of people; they are people’s enjoyment and participation events. Take Sauti za Busara festival in Zanzibar. An African Music Showcase Festival held annually; the event attracts thousands of revelers from every nook and cranny of the world. Imagine this: Picture the sun glimmering above the blue Indian ocean, the sound of drums in the distance accompanied with soft warm winds and images of people dressed in traditional clothes dancing to the music. It is a treat to the eyes and ears but that is just one indication of how exactly such celebrations have turned out to be a stew of many cultures.

The Nyama Choma Festival is an experience of rhythm-satisfying appétit and music in dappled dining, celebrating the time-honored Tanzanian culinary art of grilled meat with live performances. Who knew that chomping grilled meat down with rhythm could be this much soothing? This is culinary art combining with musical prowess to create an environment whereby even the shyest of souls find themselves dancing uninhibitedly.

Among the most exciting facets of the emerging music scene in Tanzania is its support for nurturing new talent. Many music awards, such as the Tanzania Music Awards, are often used almost exclusively as launch pads for new artists. However, these festivals also provide a platform for fresh faces who love music in addition to established stars. This has been an excellent vehicle for local talent to shine and audiences to identify a real future star before they take center stage in the wider world of music.

All of a sudden, the opening up of digital platforms means that the reach of impressively structured music by artists can now cross the globe. Local acts enjoy the chance to gain rapid popularity, thanks to overnight hits on social media. This democratized music means that anyone with a little bit of imagination and a true driving passion can achieve their dreams.

Certainly, this journey has not gone without its ups and downs. The pandemic blew the music industry backward, with concerts and festivals coming to a halt in 2020. But it is the very fiber of Tanzanian culture that has prevailed in such dry eras. Online concerts and performances were rendered a better option to keep the show rolling from the confines of one’s living room.

The future conditions for concerts and music festivals in Tanzania seem to be shining ahead and brighter. There looks to be much more interest in the local music and preservation of the place’s heritage, so the ensuing decade seems to promise great joy.