Emerson Zanzibar Visual Arts Awards 2023
Hadithi ya Bibi (Grandmother’s Story)
The Art Exhibition “Hadithi ya Bibi” is officially opened.
All this year’s participating artists are between 18 and 35 years old and their artworks all follow their interpretation of the theme of the exhibition. This year’s theme is ‘Grandmother’s Story’. Through this exhibition the new generation is connecting to the older history.
On the 8th of December 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 daily between 10.00 and 18.00 and the artworks will be on display until the 7th of January 2024.
If you would like to see all the artists involved in this year’s Art Award and Exhibition download the full list here.
Participating Artists 2023
In November 2023, Emerson Zanzibar Foundation put out a call for all artists to participate in this joint exhibition. To celebrate local art and culture, the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation launched its 3rd Visual Arts Award, with the winner announced and award presentation in the week of the exhibition. Currently around a dozen artists are participating in the exhibition and prestigious award.
How this online gallery works:
- To view each artist and bio just click on the Artist’s image.
- Swipe right to see the next artist in alphabetical order.
- You can share each of the images to social media, if you wish.
The Particpants 2023
This year all participating artists were between 18 and 35 years old and their artworks follow their interpretation of the theme of the exhibition. Through this exhibition the new generation is connecting to the older local history. See the video of the participants. With thanks to the movie producer: Merete Stubhaug.
The 3rd Art Award Exhibition officially opened
Thank you Salma Adym for hosting and MCing. Thanks to the trustees for their attendance and supportive words, and thanks to the guest of honor, Dr Omar of the Baraza la Sanaa, who promised to arrange certificates for all participants for their participation in the exhibition and for registering the artists for free.
Thanks also to the first buyers, one artwork by Suzana was sold already!
All participating artists are between 18 and 35 years old and their artworks all follow their interpretation of the theme of the exhibition. Through this exhibition the new generation is connecting to the older history.
The Awards 2023
On the 8th of December the annual Art Award was presented by Dr Omar of BASSFU in the Emerson’s Zanzibar Art Gallery by Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel.
Yussuf received the award for his artwork “Jiko La Zamani”. Rogoo was runner up with his artwork Strong Woman. The people’s choice award went to Camii (Samira Said Ail) for the artwork Beauty of Jang’ombe.
A Year since the Emerson Zanzibar Art Gallery Opened
Celebrating Art – Art Exhibition & Artists’ Stories
Celebrating Art – Art Exhibition & Artists’ StoriesEmerson Zanzibar Foundation believes passionately in promoting and preserving the local culture of Zanzibar, in visual art, musical art, film and literacy.
Emerson Zanzibar 3rd Art Award
On the 8th of December 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 daily between 10.00 and 18.00 and the artworks will be on display until the 7th of January 2024.
Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Celebrating Local Artists
Artists join Emerson Zanzibar to inspire local creativity
Artists join Emerson Zanzibar to inspire local creativityDuring 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 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
*🎉 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!
Email:[email protected]
Whatsapp: +255 687 048 767
#EmersonsZanzibar #MusicAward2026 #TaarabFusion#ZanzibarVibes
AiR Spice – Artists in Residency
📍 Emerson Spice Hotel – Secret Garden
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.
📩 More info: [email protected]
📸 Follow the journey: @emersonzanzibarfoundation | @emersonspicehotel | IG: @suzyart575 / FB: @Suzy Art
Emerson Zanzibar Foundation and Tara Jazz warmly invite you to the launch of their new album CHEICHEI
🗓️Saturday 24 January 2026
🕕 from 18.30 until 22:00
📍 in the Secret Garden at Emerson Spice Hotel
Please R.S.V.P. to
[email protected] or WhatsApp: +255 687 048 767
🙏Thanks to @emersonspicezanzibar and @veritaszanzibar Veritas Foods & Drinks for supporting the event.
Album Release Event Schedule:
6:30pm - Guest arrival, welcome drink, networking
7:00pm - Introductions
7:20pm - Acoustic guitar performance – Martin Sambwe
7:40pm - Conversation with Tarajazz Band
8:00pm - Break
8:30pm - Album launch segment
8:40pm - Tarajazz Band performance
10:00pm - End of performance photos
10:00pm - Close of evening
Emerson Zanzibar Foundation and Tarajazz warmly invite you to the launch of their new album CHEICHEI
🗓️Saturday 24 January 2026
🕕 from 18.30
📍 in the Secret Garden at Emerson Spice Hotel
Lots of thanks 🙏 go to @emersonspicezanzibar and @veritaszanzibar for supporting this event 💜
Please R.S.V.P. to [email protected] or whatsapp: +255 687 048 767
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
🗓️Exhibition is open until 29 January 2026
Open Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00
📸 with thanks: Omar @great_bazungu6
#africanart #eastafricanart #art #artist #zanzibarart #zanzibariartists
*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 sana.*
🎶 *WITO WA MAOMBI* — Tuzo ya 10 ya Muziki ya Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation 2026
Je, wewe ni mwanamuziki mpya mwenye mapenzi na utamaduni wa Muziki wa Zanzibar?
*Huu ni wakati wako!* 🔥
🎼 Dhamira: *TAARAB FUSION*
Changanya Taarab na mitindo ya kisasa kama:
Jazz, Reggae, Hip-Hop, R&B, Soul, Bongo Fleva, Zenj Fleva na kadhalika.
🎻 Ala za Zanzibar kama qanun, oud, kayamba, marimba, ngoma, sanduku bass & accordion.
🏆 *Mshindi atapata:*
• Mafunzo & warsha
• Mentorship
• Fursa za kukuza taaluma
• Uwezekano wa residency ya utunzi
✨ Tunatafuta wanamuziki chipukizi na wa kizazi kipya cha wanamuziki wanaoheshimu na kuuthamini urithi wa Zanzibar na kuubeba kwenda mbele.
📩 *Tuma ombi lako leo! *
#EZFMusicAwards2026 #TaarabFusion #ZanzibarMusic #NewArtists
Welcome to this year’s Visual Art Award exhibition “From Canvas to Community”
📍in the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery.
🖼️ Come see the amazing artworks
🗓️Exhibition until 29 January 2026
Open Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00
🏆Visual Art Award announcement will be at 4pm on 15th January 2026
📸 with thanks: Omar @great_bazungu6
#africanart #eastafricanart #art #artist #zanzibarart #zanzibariartists
Welcome to this year’s Visual Art Award exhibition “From Canvas to Community”
📍in the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery.
🖼️ Come see the amazing artworks
🗓️Exhibition until 29 January 2026
Open Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00
🏆Visual Art Award announcement will be at 4pm on 15th January 2026
📸 with thanks: Omar @great_bazungu6
#africanart #eastafricanart #art #artist #zanzibarart #zanzibariartists
Welcome to this year’s Visual Art Award exhibition “From Canvas to Community”
📍in the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery.
🖼️ Come see the amazing artworks
🗓️Exhibition until 29 January 2026
Open Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00
🏆Visual Art Award announcement will be at 4pm on 15th January 2026
📸 with thanks: Omar @great_bazungu6
#africanart #eastafricanart #art #artist #zanzibarart #zanzibariartists
Welcome to the opening of this year’s Visual Art Award exhibition “From Canvas to Community”
🕓at 4pm on Thursday 18th of December 2025
📍in the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery.
🖼️ Come to see the artworks and meet the participating artists during the opening of this exhibition.
🗓️Exhibition open till 29 January 2026
Open Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00
🏆Visual Art Award announcement at 4pm on 15th January 2026
