Zanzibar Visual Arts & Film Awards 2022

The Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation have announced details of two of their prestigious awards for June 2022. 

Firstly the Visual Art Award by local artists will be presented, for the second year running, for the best art work submitted.  All the  art submissions will also be on display at The Emerson’s Foundation Art Gallery, newly created at Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel.

In addition Emerson Zanzibar Foundation’s seventh Film Award for the best production by local Zanzibari film makers will be announced during the Zanzibar International Film Festival(ZIFF) in June 2022.

The theme for this year for both awards will be ‘Maisha ya Zanzibar’ (‘Zanzibar Life’).

‘Maisha ya Zanzibar’ (‘Zanzibar Life’).

The theme this year; Maisha ya Zanzibar will help the local artists to present their interpretation of Zanzibar’s diverse life and its heritage.

Likewise the local film-makers will focus on stories about life in Zanzibar. 

Promoting Zanzibari Artists & Film Makers

Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation for many  years has been a leading organisation honouring local Zanzibari musicians, artists and film makers. They continue to provide active support for talented Zanzibaris, to gain recognition and the opportunities they need and deserve. 

An important core of this collaboration is to promote unity within the artistic community in Zanzibar. All artists who participate share the aim to promote arts in Zanzibar in general and hope that it will be valued more by the wider community. 

Award One: Visual Art Exhibition,
Theme: Maisha ya Zanzibar
Competition:
  • 16th June 2022
  • Private viewing: 17th June 2022
  • Art Exhibition Location: The Emerson’s Foundation Art Gallery, Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel. Stone Town
  • Exhibition Official opening: 18th June 2022
  • Exhibition Public view: 18th June – 18th Sept 2022
  • Open times: Monday – Sunday 9am – 4pm
  • All Art work in the exhibition is for sale
  • Award Presentation: 24th June 2022 
Second Award: 7th Emerson Film Award,
Theme: Maisha ya Zanzibar
Competition:
  • 20th – 30th May 2022
  • 26th June 2022, 8pm at Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), Old Fort
We are on Instagram
All are welcome to the Launch Event

🗓️Opening Friday 2nd May 4pm - 6pm

AiR Spice – Artists in Residency

📍 Emerson Spice Hotel – Secret Garden

🖌 2nd May 2nd May – 29th June 2025

🎨 Artist-in-Residence: Khalfan Hassan (Kiloko)

Discover AiR Spice, a residency fostering Zanzibari visual arts hosted by Emerson Spice Hotel and Emerson Zanzibar Foundation. Witness Kiloko’s vibrant interpretations of Zanzibar’s culture, nature, and daily life as he creates onsite at the Secret Garden.

📩 foundation@emersonzanzibar.com

🔗 emersonzanzibar.com

📷 @emersonzanzibarfoundation | @emersonzanzibar | @kiloko_art 

ℹ️ The program’s first resident, Khalfan Hassan — widely known as Kiloko — brings over three decades of experience in acrylic and mixed media painting. His work documents and interprets Zanzibar’s cultural and natural landscape with remarkable vibrancy. From the architectural heritage of Stone Town to the daily rhythms of market life, fishermen, and street scenes, Kiloko renders Zanzibar’s identity with layered texture and storytelling. His repertoire also includes wildlife and coastal landscapes, offering a holistic visual narrative of the island’s life and environment.

During his two-month residency, Kiloko works onsite at the Secret Garden of Emerson Spice, where he engages directly with hotel guests and visitors. The residency becomes not only a site of artistic production but also one of exchange—where audiences witness the creative process and the artist gains real-time feedback and interaction.

All are welcome to the Launch Event

🗓️Opening Friday 2nd May 4pm - 6pm

AiR Spice – Artists in Residency

📍 Emerson Spice Hotel – Secret Garden

🖌 2nd May 2nd May – 29th June 2025

🎨 Artist-in-Residence: Khalfan Hassan (Kiloko)

Discover AiR Spice, a residency fostering Zanzibari visual arts hosted by Emerson Spice Hotel and Emerson Zanzibar Foundation. Witness Kiloko’s vibrant interpretations of Zanzibar’s culture, nature, and daily life as he creates onsite at the Secret Garden.

📩 foundation@emersonzanzibar.com

🔗 emersonzanzibar.com

📷 @emersonzanzibarfoundation | @emersonzanzibar | @kiloko_art

ℹ️ The program’s first resident, Khalfan Hassan — widely known as Kiloko — brings over three decades of experience in acrylic and mixed media painting. His work documents and interprets Zanzibar’s cultural and natural landscape with remarkable vibrancy. From the architectural heritage of Stone Town to the daily rhythms of market life, fishermen, and street scenes, Kiloko renders Zanzibar’s identity with layered texture and storytelling. His repertoire also includes wildlife and coastal landscapes, offering a holistic visual narrative of the island’s life and environment.

During his two-month residency, Kiloko works onsite at the Secret Garden of Emerson Spice, where he engages directly with hotel guests and visitors. The residency becomes not only a site of artistic production but also one of exchange—where audiences witness the creative process and the artist gains real-time feedback and interaction.
...

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AiR Spice – Artists in Residency

📍 Emerson Spice Hotel – Secret Garden

🗓️ Opening Friday 2nd May 4pm - 6pm

🖌 2nd May 2nd May – 29th June 2025

🎨 Artist-in-Residence: Khalfan Hassan (Kiloko)

Discover AiR Spice, a residency fostering Zanzibari visual arts hosted by Emerson Spice Hotel and Emerson Zanzibar Foundation. Witness Kiloko’s vibrant interpretations of Zanzibar’s culture, nature, and daily life as he creates onsite at the Secret Garden.

📩 foundation@emersonzanzibar.com

🔗 emersonzanzibar.com

📷 @emersonzanzibarfoundation | @emersonzanzibar | @kiloko_art

ℹ️ The program’s first resident, Khalfan Hassan — widely known as Kiloko — brings over three decades of experience in acrylic and mixed media painting. His work documents and interprets Zanzibar’s cultural and natural landscape with remarkable vibrancy. From the architectural heritage of Stone Town to the daily rhythms of market life, fishermen, and street scenes, Kiloko renders Zanzibar’s identity with layered texture and storytelling. His repertoire also includes wildlife and coastal landscapes, offering a holistic visual narrative of the island’s life and environment.

During his two-month residency, Kiloko works onsite at the Secret Garden of Emerson Spice, where he engages directly with hotel guests and visitors. The residency becomes not only a site of artistic production but also one of exchange—where audiences witness the creative process and the artist gains real-time feedback and interaction.

AiR Spice – Artists in Residency

📍 Emerson Spice Hotel – Secret Garden

🗓️ Opening Friday 2nd May 4pm - 6pm

🖌 2nd May 2nd May – 29th June 2025

🎨 Artist-in-Residence: Khalfan Hassan (Kiloko)

Discover AiR Spice, a residency fostering Zanzibari visual arts hosted by Emerson Spice Hotel and Emerson Zanzibar Foundation. Witness Kiloko’s vibrant interpretations of Zanzibar’s culture, nature, and daily life as he creates onsite at the Secret Garden.

📩 foundation@emersonzanzibar.com

🔗 emersonzanzibar.com

📷 @emersonzanzibarfoundation | @emersonzanzibar | @kiloko_art

ℹ️ The program’s first resident, Khalfan Hassan — widely known as Kiloko — brings over three decades of experience in acrylic and mixed media painting. His work documents and interprets Zanzibar’s cultural and natural landscape with remarkable vibrancy. From the architectural heritage of Stone Town to the daily rhythms of market life, fishermen, and street scenes, Kiloko renders Zanzibar’s identity with layered texture and storytelling. His repertoire also includes wildlife and coastal landscapes, offering a holistic visual narrative of the island’s life and environment.

During his two-month residency, Kiloko works onsite at the Secret Garden of Emerson Spice, where he engages directly with hotel guests and visitors. The residency becomes not only a site of artistic production but also one of exchange—where audiences witness the creative process and the artist gains real-time feedback and interaction.
...

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“Outside the Lines” - Damian Msagula (1939-2005)

🖼️ A rare glimpse into the bold, spirited, and vibrant expressions that define Emerson Skeen’s Zanzibar unique Art Collection.

🗓️ Art Exhibition: 17 April – 19 June 2025
🕙 Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 6pm

📍Location: Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery
240 Hurumzi Street, Stone Town

🎧 Catalogue & Audio Guides on each artwork for an interactive experience at the gallery or online (see link in bio).

👨🏾‍🎨This year’s Emerson Collection edition is a special selection of works by the late Mzee Damian Msagula, who holds a special place within the Tanzanian art community. 

📧 Enquiries, please email us at
foundation@emersonzanzibar.com

👍🏼Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @emersonzanzibarfoundation

🙏 📸 by Omar @great_bazungu6

“Outside the Lines” - Damian Msagula (1939-2005)

🖼️ A rare glimpse into the bold, spirited, and vibrant expressions that define Emerson Skeen’s Zanzibar unique Art Collection.

🗓️ Art Exhibition: 17 April – 19 June 2025
🕙 Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 6pm

📍Location: Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery
240 Hurumzi Street, Stone Town

🎧 Catalogue & Audio Guides on each artwork for an interactive experience at the gallery or online (see link in bio).

👨🏾‍🎨This year’s Emerson Collection edition is a special selection of works by the late Mzee Damian Msagula, who holds a special place within the Tanzanian art community.

📧 Enquiries, please email us at
foundation@emersonzanzibar.com

👍🏼Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @emersonzanzibarfoundation

🙏 📸 by Omar @great_bazungu6
...

61 5
“Outside the Lines” - Damian Msagula 

Exhibition: 17 April 2025 to 19 June 2025
Opening hours Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 6pm

🎨We invite you to *Outside the Lines* exhibition from the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Collection. 

⭐️ Experience something unforgettable. Explore the artworks, with ✍️written and 🎧 audio guides for an interactive experience.

🖼️ A rare glimpse into the bold, spirited, and vibrant expressions that define Emerson Skeen’s Zanzibar unique Art Collection.

⭐️ Join us for the opening event on Thursday, 17 April 2025 at 4:00 PM till 8 PM, at the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Gallery, located in Stone Town.

👨🏾‍🎨This year’s edition is a special selection of works by the late Mzee Damian Msagula, who holds a special place within the Tanzanian art community. 

🗓️ Exhibition: 17 April – 19 June 2025
🕙 Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 6pm

📍Location: Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Gallery
240 Hurumzi Street, Stone Town

📧 Enquiries, please email us at
foundation@emersonzanzibar.com

👍🏼Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @emersonzanzibarfoundation

🔗 More details and catalogue on our website (see bio links). 

🙏Thanks to Veritas Foods & Drinks for supporting this event - IG @veritaszanzibar FB: @qmbznz

“Outside the Lines” - Damian Msagula

Exhibition: 17 April 2025 to 19 June 2025
Opening hours Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 6pm

🎨We invite you to *Outside the Lines* exhibition from the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Collection.

⭐️ Experience something unforgettable. Explore the artworks, with ✍️written and 🎧 audio guides for an interactive experience.

🖼️ A rare glimpse into the bold, spirited, and vibrant expressions that define Emerson Skeen’s Zanzibar unique Art Collection.

⭐️ Join us for the opening event on Thursday, 17 April 2025 at 4:00 PM till 8 PM, at the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Gallery, located in Stone Town.

👨🏾‍🎨This year’s edition is a special selection of works by the late Mzee Damian Msagula, who holds a special place within the Tanzanian art community.

🗓️ Exhibition: 17 April – 19 June 2025
🕙 Tuesdays to Sundays 10am to 6pm

📍Location: Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Gallery
240 Hurumzi Street, Stone Town

📧 Enquiries, please email us at
foundation@emersonzanzibar.com

👍🏼Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @emersonzanzibarfoundation

🔗 More details and catalogue on our website (see bio links).

🙏Thanks to Veritas Foods & Drinks for supporting this event - IG @veritaszanzibar FB: @qmbznz
...

27 2
The Dufu group going around in the neighbourhood here to celebrate the sikukuu!

In Swahili, “sikukuu” means “festival” or “holiday.

The Dufu group going around in the neighbourhood here to celebrate the sikukuu!

In Swahili, “sikukuu” means “festival” or “holiday.
...

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*Ausy’s Abstract Conversation*

Art Exhibition | 12th March – 10th April
📍 Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery & Cafe | 240 Hurumzi Street
🌐 www.emersonzanzibar.com

Step into a world of artistic synergy as Mmadi Ausy & Hamza Ausy present a bold new collection of abstract paintings—where two distinct styles merge into one harmonious expression.

Renowned for their individual mastery—Hamza’s monochromatic depth and Mmadi’s fluid watercolor & ink—the brothers break new ground with dynamic acrylic compositions that explore texture, layers, and emotion.

With roots in The House of Culture Zanzibar (1990s) and a lifelong dedication to art, their influence extends beyond their canvases. As mentors at The Old Fort Zanzibar, they continue to nurture the next generation of artists.

Experience a visual dialogue on unity, creativity, and shared artistic vision.

*Join us in celebrating a journey of collaboration, endurance, and inspiration!*

#AusysAbstractConversation #ZanzibarArt #EmersonsZanzibar #AbstractArt #artexhibition

*Ausy’s Abstract Conversation*

Art Exhibition | 12th March – 10th April
📍 Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery & Cafe | 240 Hurumzi Street
🌐 www.emersonzanzibar.com

Step into a world of artistic synergy as Mmadi Ausy & Hamza Ausy present a bold new collection of abstract paintings—where two distinct styles merge into one harmonious expression.

Renowned for their individual mastery—Hamza’s monochromatic depth and Mmadi’s fluid watercolor & ink—the brothers break new ground with dynamic acrylic compositions that explore texture, layers, and emotion.

With roots in The House of Culture Zanzibar (1990s) and a lifelong dedication to art, their influence extends beyond their canvases. As mentors at The Old Fort Zanzibar, they continue to nurture the next generation of artists.

Experience a visual dialogue on unity, creativity, and shared artistic vision.

*Join us in celebrating a journey of collaboration, endurance, and inspiration!*

#AusysAbstractConversation #ZanzibarArt #EmersonsZanzibar #AbstractArt #artexhibition
...

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Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Music Award - Busara Xtra

Join us for the 9th Music Award!

Live performances of the contestants for the Award

🗓️ Thursday 13 February 2025
16.00 in the band stand in Forodhani Gardens

Welcome all!

Music Award Ceremony
Saturday 15 February 2025
20.30 in the Amphitheatre in the Old Fort 
Sauti za Busara music festival

….

*Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation - Tuzo ya Muziki*
Busara Xtra

Jiunge nasi kwenye Tuzo ya 9 ya Muziki ya Emerson Foundation!

Live performances ya washiriki wa Tuzo
Alhamisi 13 Februari 2025
Saa 10 jioni - Bustani za Forodhani - Band Stand
Karibuni Wote!

Sherehe ya Tuzo ya Muziki
Jumamosi 15 Februari 2025
Saa 2.30 usiku - Amphitheatre Ngome Kongwe 
Tamasha la Sauti za Busara

@emersonzanzibarfoundation
@emersonzanzibar
@sautizabusara

Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Music Award - Busara Xtra

Join us for the 9th Music Award!

Live performances of the contestants for the Award

🗓️ Thursday 13 February 2025
16.00 in the band stand in Forodhani Gardens

Welcome all!

Music Award Ceremony
Saturday 15 February 2025
20.30 in the Amphitheatre in the Old Fort
Sauti za Busara music festival

….

*Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation - Tuzo ya Muziki*
Busara Xtra

Jiunge nasi kwenye Tuzo ya 9 ya Muziki ya Emerson Foundation!

Live performances ya washiriki wa Tuzo
Alhamisi 13 Februari 2025
Saa 10 jioni - Bustani za Forodhani - Band Stand
Karibuni Wote!

Sherehe ya Tuzo ya Muziki
Jumamosi 15 Februari 2025
Saa 2.30 usiku - Amphitheatre Ngome Kongwe
Tamasha la Sauti za Busara

@emersonzanzibarfoundation
@emersonzanzibar
@sautizabusara
...

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Experience "HomeComing" by Othman Ali at Emersons Zanzibar Gallery

Join us for the upcoming exhibition "HomeComing" by renowned artist Othman Ali at the Emersons Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery from January 23 to February 16, 2025. This marks Othman’s first exhibition in Zanzibar, where his vibrant, multi-layered artworks will take center stage.

Drawing on his diverse background, Othman Ali blends Zanzibari, Arab, European, and US influences, creating dynamic works that are rich in color, texture, and cultural storytelling.

Opening Date: January 23, 2025
📍Emersons Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery
Duration: Until February 16, 2025

Be part of this unforgettable cultural celebration!

#OthmanAli #HomeComingExhibition #ZanzibarArt #ContemporaryArt

Experience "HomeComing" by Othman Ali at Emersons Zanzibar Gallery

Join us for the upcoming exhibition "HomeComing" by renowned artist Othman Ali at the Emersons Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery from January 23 to February 16, 2025. This marks Othman’s first exhibition in Zanzibar, where his vibrant, multi-layered artworks will take center stage.

Drawing on his diverse background, Othman Ali blends Zanzibari, Arab, European, and US influences, creating dynamic works that are rich in color, texture, and cultural storytelling.

Opening Date: January 23, 2025
📍Emersons Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery
Duration: Until February 16, 2025

Be part of this unforgettable cultural celebration!

#OthmanAli #HomeComingExhibition #ZanzibarArt #ContemporaryArt
...

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