Emerson Zanzibar Film Award 2022
‘Maisha ya Zanzibar’ (‘Zanzibar Life’).
The theme this year of the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation award for film makers is ‘Maisha ya Zanzibar’. All the local participating directors and film makers will present their interpretation of Zanzibar’s diverse life.
Celebrating Visual Arts
– ZIFF Film Festival
This year’s 25th Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) will take place from 16 to 26 June 2022 in the Old Fort in Stone Town. As always, the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation will hand out the annual Film Award during the Festival to support the creative development of an upcoming Zanzibari film maker.
Celebrating Visual Arts
– Emerson Gallery Exhibition
In addition to the Film Award Emerson Zanzibar Foundation is holding an Art Award and Art Exhibition. The Art Exhibition, will be held in the newly created Emerson Art Gallery and Café in Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel. VIP Official opening will be on 17 June 2022 and then be free for visitors from 18 June 2022, Tuesday through Sunday from 10am-6pm until 18 September 2022. On our Social Media channels and on our website we will be featuring each of the Visual Arts Award participants who will display their work at the exhibition. All the artwork will also be available for purchase.
Participating Film Makers 2022
In May 2022, Emerson Zanzibar put out a call for all film makers to participate in this year’s Film Making prestigious award. This year’s 25th Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) will take place from 16 to 26 June 2022 in the Old Fort in Stone Town and the Award winner will be announced on the last night at 8pm in the Old Fort.
How this online gallery works:
- To view each film maker and see film details just click on the Film Poster image.
- The bio will be visible for a while, then disappears (on a mobile tap once and wait).
- To re-read the film bio just move your mouse or on a mobile just touch the image again.
- Swipe right to see the next film maker in alphabetical order.
- You can share each of the images to social media, if you wish.
...And the Winner is....
‘DJ Diblo’
– directed by Ramadhan Ibrahim Omar
Many congratulations to the winner of the prestigious 7th Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Film award; the Zanzibar film ‘DJ Diblo’, directed by Ramadhan Ibrahim Omar (Instagram: @djdiblo)
The Film DJ Diblo
The film is autobiographical about a young Dj named Diblo and how he overcomes many challenges and his Journey to his DJ career in Zanzibar.
Celebrating Visual Arts
– ZIFF Film Festival
This year’s 25th Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) will take place from 16 to 26 June 2022 in the Old Fort in Stone Town. As always, the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation will hand out the annual Film Award during the Festival to support the creative development of an upcoming Zanzibari film maker.
Award Announcement
Announcement of the winner was on 26th June was at the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), on stage at the Old Fort.
There was a follow-up presentation at the Emerson Art Gallery, next to Emerson on Hurumzi, on 27th July.
Three annual awards complement Zanzibar’s platforms, promoting the arts: Zanzibar International Film Festival and Sauti za Busara International Music Festival, as well as the Dhow Country Music Academy, all connected to Emerson Skeen’s original vision.
Thanks for 📸 to @korshen7 & @djdiblo
The Emerson Art Gallery
Celebrating Visual Art
– Art Exhibition & Artists’ Stories
Celebrating Visual Art The Art Exhibition, VIP Official opening on 17 June 2022 will then be free for visitors from 18 June 2022, Tuesday through Sunday from 10am-6pm until 18 September 2022. On our Social Media channels and on our website we will be featuring each of the Visual Arts Award participants who will display their work at the exhibition. All the artwork will also be available for purchase.
Celebrating Music with Live Performances
On several nights, throughout the ‘Maisha ya Zanzibar’ exhibition, live music will be performed in the Secret Garden at Emerson Spice, as well as in the Tea House Rooftop restaurant at Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel. Numerous talented Zanzibari musicians will perform live, styles varying from traditional Taarab music to original fusion. Watch our Social Media events for more details
Celebrating Visual Arts
– ZIFF Film Festival
Celebrating Visual Arts This year’s 25th Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) will take place from 16 to 26 June 2022 in the Old Fort in Stone Town. As always, the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation will hand out the annual Film Award during the Festival to support the creative development of an upcoming Zanzibari film maker.
Stay Tuned for more details – #MaishaYaZanzibar
Stay tuned for more information about the ‘Maisha Ya Zanzibar’ visual arts and film awards and exhibition, on our website and social media channels. We warmly invite you to join and celebrate with us, either with us in Zanzibar, or to stay connected here and follow the stories and the updates as they happen.8
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
