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 islandโs women as pillars of strength and culture. Batista’s work did not merely observeโit participated, embedding itself in the shared spirit of the community he calls home.
As a native, Batistaโs 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. Batistaโs 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 Womenโs 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 womenโs creative voices, expressed through their own hands and visions. It invites visitors to explore how women see themselves and their worldโa 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 womenโs 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 Batistaโs 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 communityโs 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 dialogueโa 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. Batistaโs gallery on 155 Gizenga Street and the Emerson Zanzibar Foundationโs 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 yearโs award honors their pivotal role in shaping Zanzibarโs artistic and cultural identityโpreserving traditions while pioneering new paths in the arts and creative industries.
Explore their inspiring works, which beautifully blend history, and heritage. Letโs come together to support and celebrate the women artists who enrich Zanzibarโs vibrant cultural landscape.
The Particpants 2024
islandโs rich tapestry of history and lived experiences. By dedicating this yearโs award to women visual artists, we aim to honor their artistic achievements, celebrate their contributions to Zanzibarโs cultural landscape, and inspire the next generation of women creatives to carry forward the islandโs legacy of innovation and beauty.
Yussuf received the award for his artwork โJiko La Zamaniโ.
The Opening of the Emersonโs 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 โ Opening Hours Tues-Sun: 10am-6pm
๐: Emersons Zanzibar Foundation Gallery, 240 Hurumzi Street, Stone Town
๐ Thursday 19th Dec 2024 – Winner Announcement Event
The Awards 2024
๐: Emersons Zanzibar Foundation Gallery, 240 Hurumzi Street, Stone Town
๐ 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 Emersonโs 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 โ 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 โ from the few, curious tourists to residents, to invited special guests โ with fresh hibiscus juice, ginger tea, local snacks and sweets lovingly made by the hotelโs chef.
A group of artists approached Emerson Zanzibar with the request to organise an exhibition with both established and young, upcoming artists โ 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…’ย
We are on Instagram
Flashback ๐ฌ This week, weโre celebrating Mfaume Hassan Ally, winner of the ZIFF 2025 competition.
His talent and dedication stood out among a remarkable group of participants, earning him this well-deserved recognition!๐ฅ
But the journey didnโt end with the award... [2/3]
Winning was only the beginningโฆ As part of our commitment to supporting artistic growth beyond the festival, we helped ZIFF 2025 winner Mfaume Hassan Ally access a unique professional development opportunity ๐
TATAKI, in collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam, held a playwriting workshop. With the support and consultation of Professor Mhando, Mfaume was able to participate in a program he would not normally have been eligible to join.
A reminder that recognition can open doors to new learning, connections, and creative possibilities โจ [3/3]
Winning was only the beginningโฆ As part of our commitment to supporting artistic growth beyond the festival, we helped ZIFF 2025 winner Mfaume Hassan Ally access a unique professional development opportunity ๐
TATAKI, in collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam, held a playwriting workshop. With the support and consultation of Professor Mhando, Mfaume was able to participate in a program he would not normally have been eligible to join.
A reminder that recognition can open doors to new learning, connections, and creative possibilities โจ [3/3]
A successful opening night for AiR SPICE, artists in residency ๐ฟ๐จ Huge thanks to everyone who joined us in the Secret Garden to celebrate resident artists MAMAA, SIZYA, and DIDA. The exhibition is now open through 15 August 2026 with free entry ๐ผ๏ธ Photos by: Omar Rashid @great_bazungu6 Come explore Zanzibarโs vibrant creative voices at Emerson Spice Hotel โจ #airspice #artistinresidence #zanzibarart #emersonszanzibarfoundation #artexhibition
A successful opening night for AiR SPICE, artists in residency ๐ฟ๐จ Huge thanks to everyone who joined us in the Secret Garden to celebrate resident artists MAMAA, SIZYA, and DIDA. The exhibition is now open through 15 August 2026 with free entry ๐ผ๏ธ Photos by: Omar Rashid @great_bazungu6 Come explore Zanzibarโs vibrant creative voices at Emerson Spice Hotel โจ #airspice #artistinresidence #zanzibarart #emersonszanzibarfoundation #artexhibition...
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๐จ Meet the AIR SPICE 2026 Artists-in-Residence: โจ MAMAA โจ SIZYA โจ DIDA
For two months, these talented artists will create, connect, and share their work with the community at Emerson Spice Hotelโs Secret Garden.
TUZO YA UANDISHI WA MISWADA YA MFULULIZO WA TELEVISHENI 2026
Miaka 11 ya Tuzo za Filamu za Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation
Je, una hadithi inayostahili kuonekana kwenye televisheni?
Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation inakaribisha waandishi wa Zanzibar kuwasilisha maombi yao kwa Series Scriptwriting Award 2026, toleo la 11 la tuzo zake za kila mwaka za filamu.
Mwaka huu, tuzo inaendelea kuhamasisha uandishi wa miswada ya Tamthilia za televisheni (TV Series) wenye ubunifu, unaoakisi maisha, utamaduni na changamoto za Zanzibar na Tanzania kwa ujumla.
*Kaulimbiu:*
โStories of the Isles: Simulizi za Visiwaniโ
Tunapokea hadithi/Tamthilia zinazobeba utambulisho wa Zanzibar, zikichanganya urithi wa kitamaduni na masuala ya kisasa yanayogusa jamii.
*Nani Anaweza Kuomba?*
โ Waandishi wanaoishi Zanzibar
โ Waandishi binafsi au timu za waandishi
โ Kazi za asili ambazo hazijawahi kuzalishwa wala kurushwa hewani
โ Miswada ya Kiswahili au Kiingereza
โ Ombi moja kwa mshiriki
*Wasilisha:*
1. Jina la Tamthilia na Logline
Sentensi moja inayoeleza hadithi yako.
2. Series Bible/Treatment (Kurasa 3โ5)
โข Muhtasari wa hadithi nzima ya vipindi 12
โข Maelezo ya wahusika wakuu
โข Maelezo ya mazingira, aina ya hadithi na dhamira zake
โข Muhtasari wa kila kipindi
3. Episode ya Kwanza
โข Mswada kamili wa kipindi cha kwanza
โข Kurasa 25โ30
*Tarehe Muhimu*
๐ Mwisho wa kutuma maombi: 20 Juni 2026
๐ Kutangazwa kwa walioingia hatua ya mwisho: 25 Juni 2026
๐ Kutangazwa kwa mshindi: 28 Juni 2026
Mshindi Atapata:
๐ Msaada wa kuendeleza mswada wake
๐ Ushauri kutoka kwa wataalamu wa sekta ya filamu
๐ Fursa ya kuwasilisha mradi kwa kampuni za televisheni Tanzania
TUZO YA UANDISHI WA MISWADA YA MFULULIZO WA TELEVISHENI 2026
Miaka 11 ya Tuzo za Filamu za Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation
Je, una hadithi inayostahili kuonekana kwenye televisheni?
Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation inakaribisha waandishi wa Zanzibar kuwasilisha maombi yao kwa Series Scriptwriting Award 2026, toleo la 11 la tuzo zake za kila mwaka za filamu.
Mwaka huu, tuzo inaendelea kuhamasisha uandishi wa miswada ya Tamthilia za televisheni (TV Series) wenye ubunifu, unaoakisi maisha, utamaduni na changamoto za Zanzibar na Tanzania kwa ujumla.
*Kaulimbiu:*
โStories of the Isles: Simulizi za Visiwaniโ
Tunapokea hadithi/Tamthilia zinazobeba utambulisho wa Zanzibar, zikichanganya urithi wa kitamaduni na masuala ya kisasa yanayogusa jamii.
*Nani Anaweza Kuomba?*
โ Waandishi wanaoishi Zanzibar
โ Waandishi binafsi au timu za waandishi
โ Kazi za asili ambazo hazijawahi kuzalishwa wala kurushwa hewani
โ Miswada ya Kiswahili au Kiingereza
โ Ombi moja kwa mshiriki
*Wasilisha:*
1. Jina la Tamthilia na Logline
Sentensi moja inayoeleza hadithi yako.
2. Series Bible/Treatment (Kurasa 3โ5)
โข Muhtasari wa hadithi nzima ya vipindi 12
โข Maelezo ya wahusika wakuu
โข Maelezo ya mazingira, aina ya hadithi na dhamira zake
โข Muhtasari wa kila kipindi
3. Episode ya Kwanza
โข Mswada kamili wa kipindi cha kwanza
โข Kurasa 25โ30
*Tarehe Muhimu*
๐ Mwisho wa kutuma maombi: 20 Juni 2026
๐ Kutangazwa kwa walioingia hatua ya mwisho: 25 Juni 2026
๐ Kutangazwa kwa mshindi: 28 Juni 2026
Mshindi Atapata:
๐ Msaada wa kuendeleza mswada wake
๐ Ushauri kutoka kwa wataalamu wa sekta ya filamu
๐ Fursa ya kuwasilisha mradi kwa kampuni za televisheni Tanzania
Series Award 2026 โ [Jina la Tamthilia] โ [Jina la Mwandishi]
Andika hadithi. Simulia Zanzibar. Tengeneza mustakabali wa televisheni ya Tanzania....
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Flashback ๐ฌ
As we count down to ZIFF 2026, weโre looking back at some of the unforgettable moments from ZIFF 2025 โฅ๏ธ
From the opening night celebrations to the vibrant atmosphere throughout the festival, ZIFF once again brought together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across the region and beyond. ๐ฅ
On this picture: the winner of script award 2025 Mfaume Hassan Ally ๐
Join us as we revisit the highlights as the next edition is in the soon future [1/3]. โจ
As we count down to ZIFF 2026, weโre looking back at some of the unforgettable moments from ZIFF 2025 โฅ๏ธ
From the opening night celebrations to the vibrant atmosphere throughout the festival, ZIFF once again brought together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across the region and beyond. ๐ฅ
On this picture: the winner of script award 2025 Mfaume Hassan Ally ๐
Join us as we revisit the highlights as the next edition is in the soon future [1/3]. โจ
On 20 May, Tarajazz officially released Cheichei online, sharing their music with the world.๐ And weโre not done yetโฆ stay tuned for our upcoming online event celebrating the platform release of the album! Listen to Cheichei here: ditto.fm/cheichei ๐ฟ [4/4] #emersonfoundation #tarajazz #cheichei #newmusic #zanzibar
On 20 May, Tarajazz officially released Cheichei online, sharing their music with the world.๐ And weโre not done yetโฆ stay tuned for our upcoming online event celebrating the platform release of the album! Listen to Cheichei here: ditto.fm/cheichei ๐ฟ [4/4] #emersonfoundation #tarajazz #cheichei #newmusic #zanzibar...
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Flashback ๐ถ
Last January, we celebrated the physical launch of Tarajazzโs album, an unforgettable moment and the start of something exciting โจ
Flashback ๐ถ May, weโre revisiting highlights from last yearโs music support ๐ค โข This week: celebrating our winner, Tarajazz a truly standout act. They won suited assistance, what that means will be shown soon! ๐ โข Weโre also incredibly grateful to all the talented artists who took part in the auditions and made the journey so special ๐ Stay tuned as we share more about Tarajazz [2/4] ๐ โข โข โข #emersonfoundation #zanzibar #musicawards #flashback
Flashback ๐ถ May, weโre revisiting highlights from last yearโs music support ๐ค โข This week: celebrating our winner, Tarajazz a truly standout act. They won suited assistance, what that means will be shown soon! ๐ โข Weโre also incredibly grateful to all the talented artists who took part in the auditions and made the journey so special ๐ Stay tuned as we share more about Tarajazz [2/4] ๐ โข โข โข #emersonfoundation #zanzibar #musicawards #flashback...
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Flashback Time!๐ถ This May, weโre looking back at some of the standout moments from last yearโs music support initiatives๐ธ This week, weโre spotlighting the incredible jury behind the 2025 Emerson Zanzibar Music Award โ the minds who made it all possible. Without their expertise and dedication, there would be no competition! ๐ - Stay with us as we share more from this journey [1/4]. - - - Special thanks to our head of jury John Kitime ๐ @john_kitime - Become a member of the Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation, to support the Zanzibar arts & culture!โค๏ธ #emersonfoundation #zanzibar #musicawards #flashback #behindthescenes - Photo by: Markus Meissl
Flashback Time!๐ถ This May, weโre looking back at some of the standout moments from last yearโs music support initiatives๐ธ This week, weโre spotlighting the incredible jury behind the 2025 Emerson Zanzibar Music Award โ the minds who made it all possible. Without their expertise and dedication, there would be no competition! ๐ - Stay with us as we share more from this journey [1/4]. - - - Special thanks to our head of jury John Kitime ๐ @john_kitime - Become a member of the Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation, to support the Zanzibar arts & culture!โค๏ธ #emersonfoundation #zanzibar #musicawards #flashback #behindthescenes - Photo by: Markus Meissl...
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We are thrilled to welcome you to an open studio exhibition of Jan van Eschโs Ghabh - Nipe Nikupe, that explores the rich narratives embedded in textiles.
๐ *Exhibition Dates:* February 12 - April 9, 2026 ๐ *Location:* Emerson Foundation Gallery, 236 Hurumzi Street, Stonetown ๐ *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. Janโs 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.
Donโt miss this opportunity to engage with Janโs 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
๐ธโจ *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 Eschโs Ghabh - Nipe Nikupe, that explores the rich narratives embedded in textiles.
๐ *Exhibition Dates:* February 12 - April 9, 2026 ๐ *Location:* Emerson Foundation Gallery, 236 Hurumzi Street, Stonetown ๐ *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. Janโs 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.
Donโt miss this opportunity to engage with Janโs 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
๐ธโจ *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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*๐ Join Us for the 10th Emersonโs Zanzibar Foundation Music Award 2026 ๐ถ*
๐ LIVE PERFORMANCE
๐ Date: February 4, 2026
๐ Time: From 4 PM
๐ Location: Mnazi Mmoja Grounds
๐ Come Enjoy and discover a new Zanzibarโs musical talent!
๐ AWARD CEREMONY
๐ *Date:* February 7, 2026
๐ *Time:* 8:30 PM
๐ *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!
โจ Everyone is welcome! Bring your friends and family to enjoy the sights, sounds, and rhythm of Zanzibar!
For more information, donโt hesitate to reach out!
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 โ from the few, curious tourists to residents, to invited special guests โ with fresh hibiscus juice, ginger tea, local snacks and sweets lovingly made by the hotelโs chef.![Flashback ๐ฌ
This week, weโre celebrating Mfaume Hassan Ally, winner of the ZIFF 2025 competition.
His talent and dedication stood out among a remarkable group of participants, earning him this well-deserved recognition!๐ฅ
But the journey didnโt end with the award... [2/3]
#ziff #ziff2025 #flashback #artsandculture #winner](https://emersonzanzibar.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
