Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Art Collection
- Emerson's Collection 17 April - 19th June 2025

“Outside the Lines” Exhibition – Art Gallery next to Emerson on Hurumzi
From 17th April – 19th June 2025
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm

Online Catalogue with Audio

The exhibition Catalogue with written & audio guide, and the Curatorial Statement of the seven pieces by the artist Damian Msagula is now online.

Outside The Lines

Emerson Skeens Art Collection

Outside the lines is an annual exhibition showcasing works from Emerson Skeen’s extensive collection of art, artifacts, fabrics, and furniture gathered throughout his time in Zanzibar.

This exhibition highlights the influences behind Emerson’s artistic and cultural vision, connecting his legacy with the foundations aim to support individuals with exceptional talents in artistic and academic fields and to assist local organizations that preserve and enhance the culture of Zanzibar.

Emerson Skeen's Collection

Emerson Skeens 1997

Those who visited his hotels know Emerson Skeen’s passion for collecting art and artifacts. He was deeply inspired by the island’s rich cultural expressions, often blending Swahili art and objects with modern and foreign influences. His designs were rooted in Swahili traditions, using local materials and techniques suited to the climate and culture.

Emerson’s approach was eclectic, never confined to a single tone, style, or trend. Like a skilled musician, he improvised, combining different keys and rhythms while respecting the structural beauty of Zanzibar.

Damian B.K. Msagula (1939-2005)

In this exhibition we present works of Damian B.K. Msagula.

Not much is known about the history of the paintings in Emerson’s collection, other than that they were purchased in the late 1980s and 1990s. Msagula, originally from Ndanda in the Mtwara region, began his artistic journey with the Tinga Tinga collective in Dar es Salaam.

Over time, he developed his own distinct style and became a prominent figure in the Tanzanian art scene, sharing stylistic and thematic connections with peers like George Lilanga and other artists from Nyumba ya Sanaa. Msagula’s work is known for its unique technique, where he boldly colored outside the lines.

Emerson Dewey Skeen

Emerson Skeens Stone Town

Emerson Dewey Skeen first traveled to Zanzibar in the 1980s and, after several visits, decided to live there for 25 years.

Beyond opening boutique hotels, he was deeply engaged in cultural initiatives that continue to influence the island’s art scene today.

In collaboration with others, he helped launch significant projects such as the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), the Dhow Countries Music Academy, and the internationally recognized Sauti za Busara music festival.

For a deeper look into Msagula’s technique and his influence on the Zanzibari art scene, an interactive experience is available via the online Exhibition Catalogue and Curatorial Statement.

We hope you enjoy this experience and let your eyes, not your preconceptions, guide you through his narratives.

Jan van Esch
Independent curator and artist
janvanesch.com
View the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Exhibition Catalogue 2025

(Please allow time to download)

Download the uncompressed PDF version (24Mb) of Emerson Zanzibar Art Award Exhibition 2024 Catalogue click here.

Emerson Collection Art Exhibition officially opened

Jan van Esch, Independent Curator explaines the unique artistic style of Msugala

The Opening of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Collection 2025 in Stone Town, celebrated the extraordinary contributions of the much loved Tanzanian artist, Damien Msagula.

The highlight of the opening on the 17th April 2025 was the introduction given by Jan van Esch, Independent Curator for the exhibition.  Jan explained the unique contribution made by the featured artist Msugala.  He also  gave some insights in how to pause, look and observe the artworks on display.

🎧 The Outside the Lines Catalogue and Curatorial Statement with written & audio guides is available here.  

📸 with thanks to Omar Rashid (IG: @great_bazungu6 )

Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Encourages Local Artists

Artists join Emerson Zanzibar to inspire local creativity

During the worldwide Covid Pandemic, Emerson Zanzibar Foundation started holding art exhibitions. These were curated exhibitions, located at the Emerson Hotels in Stone Town styled around a live interview with the artist. Everyone was welcomed in Emerson Zanzibar style – from the few, curious tourists, residents, to invited special guests – with fresh hibiscus juice, ginger tea, local snacks and sweets lovingly made by the hotel’s chef.

A group of artists approached Emerson Zanzibar Foundation with a request to organise an exhibition with both established and young, upcoming artists – to provide an opportunity for well established artists to share their experiences and for the young a chance to show their work publicly.

The idea grew from visual art, expanding to creativity in music, a special dinner planned to share local creativity in gastronomy and also combined with the regular Emerson Zanzibar Foundation’s award to celebrate Zanzibari film-makers.

Emerson Zanzibar is not just hotels and restaurants; since our doors opened, Emerson Zanzibar has been very closely connected to the creative sector. And so the Visual Arts awards began…’ 

Thank you to Jan van Esch, Curator – janvanesch.com

Veritas Africa – Foods and Drinks in Zanzibar

Simply IT – Websites in Tanzania

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
...

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“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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