Expressions of Zanzibar Women: A Tale of Two Perspectives
In the heart of Stone Town, where history and culture converge in the street of Hurumzi, at Emerson Zanzibar Foundation has sparked an artistic dialogue about the strength, creativity, and resilience of Zanzibar women. November saw the conclusion of Expressions of Zanzibar Women, a poignant exhibition by Robin Batista, a celebrated photographer and native son of Zanzibar. As his work transitions to his gallery, the stage is set for a new chapter: the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition, featuring the talents of female Zanzibari artists, opening December 5th, 2024.
The Emerson Zanzibar Art Gallery Honours Women
Batista’s Perspective: A Native’s Tribute to His Own
Robin Batista, deeply rooted in the culture and rhythms of Zanzibar, brought a uniquely intimate lens to Expressions of Zanzibar Women. His two decades of experience as a photographer culminated in a series that celebrated the island’s women as pillars of strength and culture. Batista’s work did not merely observe—it participated, embedding itself in the shared spirit of the community he calls home.
As a native, Batista’s portrayal carried the authenticity of someone who understands his subjects on a profound level. His photographs captured moments that were both ordinary and extraordinary: a woman at work, a glance filled with unspoken strength, a celebration of resilience. These images reflected not only the lives of Zanzibari women but also how they are cherished and celebrated by the community. Batista’s gallery on 155 Gizenga Street continues to serve as a space where this tribute can be revisited and appreciated.
Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Art Award December 2024
The Women’s Perspective: A Celebration from Within
As Batista’s exhibition closes, the spotlight shifts to the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition, a showcase dedicated to female artists of Zanzibar. This exhibition is more than a platform; it is a declaration of the women’s creative voices, expressed through their own hands and visions. It invites visitors to explore how women see themselves and their world—a perspective rooted in lived experiences and cultural heritage.
While Batista’s photographs celebrated what Zanzibari women mean to the community, the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition turns the lens inward. The women’s works are likely to explore themes of identity, resilience, and creativity, providing an unfiltered, deeply personal narrative. It is an opportunity for them to highlight their skills, challenge stereotypes, and assert their roles as not just subjects of admiration but as creators of culture and art.
A Unified Celebration: Two Faces of One Story
The transition from Batista’s exhibition to the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view Zanzibar women through two complementary perspectives. Batista, as a son of Zanzibar, captured the community’s collective admiration for its women, honoring their resilience and grace. In contrast, the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition celebrates women as authors of their own stories, presenting their journeys, and trumph through their art.
These two exhibitions form a dialogue—a rich interplay of appreciation and self-expression. Visiting both allows for a deeper understanding of the multifaceted roles Zanzibar women play in shaping their community. Batista’s gallery on 155 Gizenga Street and the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation’s new exhibition space on 240 Hurumzi Street become dual sanctuaries for celebrating the creativity and strength of Zanzibari women.
As the Visual Arts Awards Exhibition opens, we are reminded of the importance of both perspectives: the tribute of a native son and the voices of the women themselves. Together, they weave a narrative of resilience, artistry, and empowerment, inviting all to honor the dynamic spirit of Zanzibar women.
By Nyika Mbari Sekibaha Freelancer Artist, Writer, Poet, Arts Manager& Administrator and Social scientist. Contact: [email protected]
The Art Exhibition is at the Gallery in Emerson on Hurumzi – 7th December 2024-January 2024
Celebrating Zanzibar Female Artist Excellence in Visual Arts 2024
From traditional henna painting and drawings to contemporary painting and mixed media, these talented women embody resilience, creativity, and cultural heritage.
This year’s award honors their pivotal role in shaping Zanzibar’s artistic and cultural identity—preserving traditions while pioneering new paths in the arts and creative industries.
Explore their inspiring works, which beautifully blend history, and heritage. Let’s come together to support and celebrate the women artists who enrich Zanzibar’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The Particpants 2024
island’s rich tapestry of history and lived experiences. By dedicating this year’s award to women visual artists, we aim to honor their artistic achievements, celebrate their contributions to Zanzibar’s cultural landscape, and inspire the next generation of women creatives to carry forward the island’s legacy of innovation and beauty.
Yussuf received the award for his artwork “Jiko La Zamani”.
The Opening of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Visual Arts Award 2024 celebrating the extraordinary contributions of women visual artists in Zanzibar. was Thursday 5th Dec 2024 at 4:30pm. Many visitors joined us in celebrating the female artist’s creative vision!
The exhibition is now open from 6th Dec 2024 to 16th January 2025 — Opening Hours Tues-Sun: 10am-6pm
📍: Emersons Zanzibar Foundation Gallery, 240 Hurumzi Street, Stone Town
📅 Thursday 19th Dec 2024 – Winner Announcement Event
The Awards 2024
📍: Emersons Zanzibar Foundation Gallery, 240 Hurumzi Street, Stone Town
📅 Thursday 19th Dec 2024 – Winner Announcement Event
Two Years since Emerson Zanzibar Art Gallery Opened
Celebrating Art – Art Exhibition & Artists’ Stories
Emerson Zanzibar Foundation believes passionately in promoting and preserving the local culture of Zanzibar, in visual art, musical art, film and literacy.
Emerson Zanzibar 4th Art Award
On Thursday 19th Dec 2024 the annual Art Award will be presented to one of the participating artists. You are welcome to this event from 4pm in the Emerson’s Zanzibar Art Gallery by Emerson on Hurumzi hotel.
Curious about the artworks? Do come over for the exhibition. The exhibition is now open from 6th Dec 2024 to 16th January 2025 — Opening Hours Tues-Sun: 10am-6pm
Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Celebrating Local Artists
Artists join Emerson Zanzibar to inspire local creativity
During the worldwide Covid Pandemic, Emerson Zanzibar Hotels started holding art exhibitions in a different way to how they had been done previously. These were curated exhibitions, styled around a live interview with the artist. Everyone was welcomed in Emerson Zanzibar style – from the few, curious tourists to 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 with the 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…’
We are on Instagram
We are thrilled to welcome you to an open studio exhibition of Jan van Esch’s Ghabh - Nipe Nikupe, that explores the rich narratives embedded in textiles.
🕙 *Exhibition Dates:* February 12 - April 9, 2026 📍 *Location:* Emerson Foundation Gallery, 236 Hurumzi Street, Stonetown 🕔 *Opening Hours:* Tuesday - Sunday, 10 AM - 6 PM
In this thought-provoking exhibition, Jan van Esch transforms abandoned clothing into a powerful commentary on culture, identity, and the textile waste crisis. By scavenging garments from Amsterdam, Berlin, and Dar es Salaam, Jan highlights how clothing can serve as a communicative system bridging cultural divides through visual language.
The journey of clothing, from cherished garment to discarded waste reveals complex layers of meaning. Jan’s patchworks and intricate drawings celebrate these fragments, bringing new life and story to what we wear and waste. Through his art, he invites us to move beyond monologue to dialogue, questioning how we engage with textiles in our daily lives.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Jan’s compelling installations and join the conversation about the global implications of our fashion choices. We look forward to welcoming you to this vibrant exhibition!
With thanks to @veritaszanzibar @emersonspicezanzibar and Emerson on Hurumzi for supporting this exhibition
📸✨ *Be sure to follow us for sneak peeks and highlights as we countdown to the opening!* #GhabhExhibition #JanVanEsch #EmersonFoundation #Textiles #artexhibitions
We are thrilled to welcome you to an open studio exhibition of Jan van Esch’s Ghabh - Nipe Nikupe, that explores the rich narratives embedded in textiles.
🕙 *Exhibition Dates:* February 12 - April 9, 2026 📍 *Location:* Emerson Foundation Gallery, 236 Hurumzi Street, Stonetown 🕔 *Opening Hours:* Tuesday - Sunday, 10 AM - 6 PM
In this thought-provoking exhibition, Jan van Esch transforms abandoned clothing into a powerful commentary on culture, identity, and the textile waste crisis. By scavenging garments from Amsterdam, Berlin, and Dar es Salaam, Jan highlights how clothing can serve as a communicative system bridging cultural divides through visual language.
The journey of clothing, from cherished garment to discarded waste reveals complex layers of meaning. Jan’s patchworks and intricate drawings celebrate these fragments, bringing new life and story to what we wear and waste. Through his art, he invites us to move beyond monologue to dialogue, questioning how we engage with textiles in our daily lives.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Jan’s compelling installations and join the conversation about the global implications of our fashion choices. We look forward to welcoming you to this vibrant exhibition!
With thanks to @veritaszanzibar @emersonspicezanzibar and Emerson on Hurumzi for supporting this exhibition
📸✨ *Be sure to follow us for sneak peeks and highlights as we countdown to the opening!* #GhabhExhibition #JanVanEsch #EmersonFoundation #Textiles #artexhibitions...
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*🎉 Join Us for the 10th Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Music Award 2026 🎶*
🗓 LIVE PERFORMANCE
📅 Date: February 4, 2026
🕓 Time: From 4 PM
📍 Location: Mnazi Mmoja Grounds
🌟 Come Enjoy and discover a new Zanzibar’s musical talent!
🏆 AWARD CEREMONY
📅 *Date:* February 7, 2026
🕗 *Time:* 8:30 PM
📍 *Location:* Mnazi Mmoja Grounds
Celebrate the best in music and witness the awarding of exceptional talents who have made their mark in our music scene!
✨ Everyone is welcome! Bring your friends and family to enjoy the sights, sounds, and rhythm of Zanzibar!
For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Opening Event 🗓️ 29th January 2026 January 4pm - 6pm
Open Daily from 🗓️ 29th January 2026 January - 22nd March 2026
🎨 Resident Artist: Suzana Edward Thomas AiR Spice is a new residency program by Emerson Spice Hotel in collaboration with the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation, created to uplift and promote Zanzibari visual artists. The program transforms hospitality spaces into vibrant cultural hubs where art is not just displayed, but created, shared, and experienced in real time.
This season, we welcome our fourth resident artist, Suzana Edward Thomas. Suzana is a visual artist from Zanzibar whose practice centres on painting and creative exploration. She began her artistic journey during secondary school and later received formal training in art and painting between 2019 and 2021.
She continues to refine her practice through mentorship with senior artists at the Cultural Arts Gallery in Ngome Kongwe and currently works as an independent artist. Suzana is a recipient of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Visual Arts Award and participated in a one-month artist-in-residence programme at Apao Village, where she strengthened her creative approach and professional confidence. AiR Spice is more than an art residency it’s a bridge between artists, community, and visitors, placing Zanzibari creativity at the center of cultural experience.
Opening Event 🗓️ 29th January 2026 January 4pm - 6pm
Open Daily from 🗓️ 29th January 2026 January - 22nd March 2026
🎨 Resident Artist: Suzana Edward Thomas AiR Spice is a new residency program by Emerson Spice Hotel in collaboration with the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation, created to uplift and promote Zanzibari visual artists. The program transforms hospitality spaces into vibrant cultural hubs where art is not just displayed, but created, shared, and experienced in real time.
This season, we welcome our fourth resident artist, Suzana Edward Thomas. Suzana is a visual artist from Zanzibar whose practice centres on painting and creative exploration. She began her artistic journey during secondary school and later received formal training in art and painting between 2019 and 2021.
She continues to refine her practice through mentorship with senior artists at the Cultural Arts Gallery in Ngome Kongwe and currently works as an independent artist. Suzana is a recipient of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Visual Arts Award and participated in a one-month artist-in-residence programme at Apao Village, where she strengthened her creative approach and professional confidence. AiR Spice is more than an art residency it’s a bridge between artists, community, and visitors, placing Zanzibari creativity at the center of cultural experience.
Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation announces the winner of the 5th Visual Arts Award – 2025 🎨
Held under the theme “From Canvas to Community”, this year’s award brought together twelve Zanzibari visual artists using art as a catalyst for social and cultural impact.
Participating artists: Kheri Shaibu Salim, Abdulrahman Ramadhani (Bin Sukheir), Haji Mwinyi Khamis (Migo), Abdallah Salim (Dula Obidi), Mmadi Aussi, Omar Idd Omar (Mnyamwezi), Mohamed A. Talib, Abdulla Khamis Omar (Dullah Wise), Hussein Mkada Hussein, Sizya Hafidh Dawson, Abdu Haji Ussi (Rogo), and Asha Abdalla Alli.
After a rigorous selection process, Mohamed Talib was named the winner for his project “Story Tell Sessions”, which uses storytelling to bring communities together while preserving Zanzibari traditions and collective wisdom.
Congratulations to all the artists for celebrating creativity, community, and culture.
1st MOHD A.TALIB 2nd ABDULLA KHAMIS OMAR (Dullah Wise) 3rd SIZYA HAFIDH DAWSON
We want to thank everyone who contributed and supported the exhibition and huge congratulations to all the participants 👏
🖼️ Come see all the amazing artworks
📍in the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery at Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel
Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation announces the winner of the 5th Visual Arts Award – 2025 🎨
Held under the theme “From Canvas to Community”, this year’s award brought together twelve Zanzibari visual artists using art as a catalyst for social and cultural impact.
Participating artists: Kheri Shaibu Salim, Abdulrahman Ramadhani (Bin Sukheir), Haji Mwinyi Khamis (Migo), Abdallah Salim (Dula Obidi), Mmadi Aussi, Omar Idd Omar (Mnyamwezi), Mohamed A. Talib, Abdulla Khamis Omar (Dullah Wise), Hussein Mkada Hussein, Sizya Hafidh Dawson, Abdu Haji Ussi (Rogo), and Asha Abdalla Alli.
After a rigorous selection process, Mohamed Talib was named the winner for his project “Story Tell Sessions”, which uses storytelling to bring communities together while preserving Zanzibari traditions and collective wisdom.
Congratulations to all the artists for celebrating creativity, community, and culture.
1st MOHD A.TALIB 2nd ABDULLA KHAMIS OMAR (Dullah Wise) 3rd SIZYA HAFIDH DAWSON
We want to thank everyone who contributed and supported the exhibition and huge congratulations to all the participants 👏
🖼️ Come see all the amazing artworks
📍in the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery at Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel
*Karibu kwenye Sherehe za Kutangaza Mshindi wa Tuzo ya 5 ya Sanaa za Uoni ya Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation – 2025*
Chini ya kaulimbiu “Kutoka kwenye Canvas hadi kwenye Jamii”, tunakualika kuungana nasi kusherehekea ubunifu, mawazo na mchango wa wasanii wa Kizanzibari kwa jamii yao.
Wasanii 12 wamewasilisha kazi zao bora pamoja na mapendekezo ya miradi ya kushirikisha jamii, na sasa ni wakati wa kumtambua msanii ambaye kazi yake na maono yake yatapata fursa ya kutekelezwa kupitia tuzo hii.
📅 Alhamisi, 15 Januari 2026 🏆 Sherehe za Kutangaza Mshindi wa Tuzo 📍 Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery
Njoo ushuhudie tukio la kipekee linalounganisha sanaa na jamii, na uwe sehemu ya safari ya kuibua mabadiliko kupitia sanaa.
*Karibu kwenye Sherehe za Kutangaza Mshindi wa Tuzo ya 5 ya Sanaa za Uoni ya Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation – 2025*
Chini ya kaulimbiu “Kutoka kwenye Canvas hadi kwenye Jamii”, tunakualika kuungana nasi kusherehekea ubunifu, mawazo na mchango wa wasanii wa Kizanzibari kwa jamii yao.
Wasanii 12 wamewasilisha kazi zao bora pamoja na mapendekezo ya miradi ya kushirikisha jamii, na sasa ni wakati wa kumtambua msanii ambaye kazi yake na maono yake yatapata fursa ya kutekelezwa kupitia tuzo hii.
📅 Alhamisi, 15 Januari 2026 🏆 Sherehe za Kutangaza Mshindi wa Tuzo 📍 Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery
Njoo ushuhudie tukio la kipekee linalounganisha sanaa na jamii, na uwe sehemu ya safari ya kuibua mabadiliko kupitia sanaa.
Celebrating Art – Art Exhibition & Artists’ Stories
Celebrating Art – Art Exhibition & Artists’ Stories
During the worldwide Covid Pandemic, Emerson Zanzibar Hotels started holding art exhibitions in a different way to how they had been done previously. These were curated exhibitions, styled around a live interview with the artist. Everyone was welcomed in Emerson Zanzibar style – from the few, curious tourists to residents, to invited special guests – with fresh hibiscus juice, ginger tea, local snacks and sweets lovingly made by the hotel’s chef.
