This year is Sauti za Busara Music Festival’s 20th anniversary and Emerson Zanzibar Foundation’s 7th Award”
– aimed at local vocalists, performers and poets
Some of the 2023 Candidates...
Young and gifted Zanzibari vocalists, singers and poets will be appearing before a panel of judges and performing for this prestigious award. Join us in celebrating the up and coming local musicians, who are sustaining Zanzibar’s musical and poetry traditions.
Emerson Zanzibar Music Award 2023 – The Competition
The board of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation is delighted to announce its seventh Music Award 2023.
The award for this year is intended for local artsist, under the theme, ‘My Composition‘ music/poetry. This follows the Sauti za Busara 2023 theme of “Urithi ni neema” (heritage is our prosperity).
This is a great opportunity for emerging songwriters/lyricist of Unguja and Pemba to promote themselves locally and Internationally at a platform, which aims to inspire and award local talents.
The award for the musicians include, prize money of 2 million TZS, an engraved trophy and a framed certificate for the winner.
Competition Details
The Seventh Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Music Award 2023 will be part of the Sauti za Busara Music Festival 2023.
- Theme: My composition, music /poetry
- Competition: 8th February 2023
- Award night: Saturday 11th February 2023, 8pm at Old Fort
- Event: Public
A great opportunity for emerging musicians and poets of Unguja and Pemba to promote themselves locally and Internationally on a platform, which aims to inspire and award local talents.
Emerson Zanzibar Music Award 2023
The award was presented on stage at Sauti za Busara in the Old Fort, on Saturday 11th of February 2023 at around 8pm.
"...And the Winner is...."
Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Music Awards Winner 2022
TRYPHON EVAREST
with thanks to Emerson Zanzibar Foundation
2023 Music Award sponsors include:
Remember last year's competition, 2022?
Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Facebook
Follow Emerson Zanzibar Foundation on Facebook @Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation)
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram (@emersonZanizibar)
For other events and all that is happening in Stone Town see Social Media or our Whats Happening In Stone Town pages
*TANGAZO LA WITO WA MAOMBI*
TUZO YA UANDISHI WA MISWADA YA MFULULIZO WA TELEVISHENI 2026
Miaka 11 ya Tuzo za Filamu za Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation
Je, una hadithi inayostahili kuonekana kwenye televisheni?
Emerson’s 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:*
“Stories of the Isles: Simulizi za Visiwani”
Tunapokea hadithi/Tamthilia zinazobeba utambulisho wa Zanzibar, zikichanganya urithi wa kitamaduni na masuala ya kisasa yanayogusa jamii.
*Nani Anaweza Kuomba?*
✓ Waandishi wanaoishi Zanzibar
✓ Waandishi binafsi au timu za waandishi
✓ Kazi za asili ambazo hazijawahi kuzalishwa wala kurushwa hewani
✓ Miswada ya Kiswahili au Kiingereza
✓ Ombi moja kwa mshiriki
*Wasilisha:*
1. Jina la Tamthilia na Logline
Sentensi moja inayoeleza hadithi yako.
2. Series Bible/Treatment (Kurasa 3–5)
• Muhtasari wa hadithi nzima ya vipindi 12
• Maelezo ya wahusika wakuu
• Maelezo ya mazingira, aina ya hadithi na dhamira zake
• Muhtasari wa kila kipindi
3. Episode ya Kwanza
• Mswada kamili wa kipindi cha kwanza
• Kurasa 25–30
*Tarehe Muhimu*
📅 Mwisho wa kutuma maombi: 20 Juni 2026
📅 Kutangazwa kwa walioingia hatua ya mwisho: 25 Juni 2026
📅 Kutangazwa kwa mshindi: 28 Juni 2026
Mshindi Atapata:
🏆 Msaada wa kuendeleza mswada wake
🏆 Ushauri kutoka kwa wataalamu wa sekta ya filamu
🏆 Fursa ya kuwasilisha mradi kwa kampuni za televisheni Tanzania
🏆 Msaada wa kisanii na utangazaji wa mradi
*Jinsi ya Kutuma*
📧 [email protected]
Subject:
Series Award 2026 – [Jina la Tamthilia] – [Jina la Mwandishi]
Andika hadithi. Simulia Zanzibar. Tengeneza mustakabali wa televisheni ya Tanzania.
![*TANGAZO LA WITO WA MAOMBI*
TUZO YA UANDISHI WA MISWADA YA MFULULIZO WA TELEVISHENI 2026
Miaka 11 ya Tuzo za Filamu za Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation
Je, una hadithi inayostahili kuonekana kwenye televisheni?
Emerson’s 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:*
“Stories of the Isles: Simulizi za Visiwani”
Tunapokea hadithi/Tamthilia zinazobeba utambulisho wa Zanzibar, zikichanganya urithi wa kitamaduni na masuala ya kisasa yanayogusa jamii.
*Nani Anaweza Kuomba?*
✓ Waandishi wanaoishi Zanzibar
✓ Waandishi binafsi au timu za waandishi
✓ Kazi za asili ambazo hazijawahi kuzalishwa wala kurushwa hewani
✓ Miswada ya Kiswahili au Kiingereza
✓ Ombi moja kwa mshiriki
*Wasilisha:*
1. Jina la Tamthilia na Logline
Sentensi moja inayoeleza hadithi yako.
2. Series Bible/Treatment (Kurasa 3–5)
• Muhtasari wa hadithi nzima ya vipindi 12
• Maelezo ya wahusika wakuu
• Maelezo ya mazingira, aina ya hadithi na dhamira zake
• Muhtasari wa kila kipindi
3. Episode ya Kwanza
• Mswada kamili wa kipindi cha kwanza
• Kurasa 25–30
*Tarehe Muhimu*
📅 Mwisho wa kutuma maombi: 20 Juni 2026
📅 Kutangazwa kwa walioingia hatua ya mwisho: 25 Juni 2026
📅 Kutangazwa kwa mshindi: 28 Juni 2026
Mshindi Atapata:
🏆 Msaada wa kuendeleza mswada wake
🏆 Ushauri kutoka kwa wataalamu wa sekta ya filamu
🏆 Fursa ya kuwasilisha mradi kwa kampuni za televisheni Tanzania
🏆 Msaada wa kisanii na utangazaji wa mradi
*Jinsi ya Kutuma*
📧 foundation@emersonzanzibar.com
Subject:
Series Award 2026 – [Jina la Tamthilia] – [Jina la Mwandishi]
Andika hadithi. Simulia Zanzibar. Tengeneza mustakabali wa televisheni ya Tanzania.](https://emersonzanzibar.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Flashback 🎬
As we count down to ZIFF 2026, we’re looking back at some of the unforgettable moments from ZIFF 2025 ♥️
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. 🎥
On this picture: the winner of script award 2025 Mfaume Hassan Ally 🏆
Join us as we revisit the highlights as the next edition is in the soon future [1/3]. ✨
#ziff #ziff2025 #flashback #filmfestival #zanzibar
On 20 May, Tarajazz officially released Cheichei online, sharing their music with the world.🌍
And we’re not done yet… stay tuned for our upcoming online event celebrating the platform release of the album!
Listen to Cheichei here: ditto.fm/cheichei 💿 [4/4]
#emersonfoundation #tarajazz #cheichei #newmusic #zanzibar
Flashback 🎶
Last January, we celebrated the physical launch of Tarajazz’s album, an unforgettable moment and the start of something exciting ✨
The journey continues… 👀 [3/4]
#emersonfoundation #tarajazz #albumlaunch #zanzibar
Pictures by: Walid
Flashback 🎶
May, we’re revisiting highlights from last year’s music support 🎤
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This week: celebrating our winner, Tarajazz a truly standout act. They won suited assistance, what that means will be shown soon! 👀
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We’re also incredibly grateful to all the talented artists who took part in the auditions and made the journey so special 💛
Stay tuned as we share more about Tarajazz [2/4] 🔜
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#emersonfoundation #zanzibar #musicawards #flashback
Flashback Time!🎶
This May, we’re looking back at some of the standout moments from last year’s music support initiatives🎸
This week, we’re spotlighting the incredible jury behind the 2025 Emerson Zanzibar Music Award — the minds who made it all possible. Without their expertise and dedication, there would be no competition! 🏆
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Stay with us as we share more from this journey [1/4].
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Special thanks to our head of jury John Kitime 🙌 @john_kitime
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Become a member of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation, to support the Zanzibar arts & culture!❤️
#emersonfoundation #zanzibar #musicawards #flashback #behindthescenes
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Photo by: Markus Meissl
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
