Emerson Art Gallery Opened June 2022

Emerson Art Gallery & Cafe
– Opens to the Public:
(Tuesday to Sunday 10am-6pm)

The official VIP opening of the art exhibition was held on the 17 June 2022, at The Emerson Gallery.  This spacious and newly created art gallery is housed within one of top boutique hotels in Stone Town, The Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel. 

The exhibition and all the paintings are part of the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation award for visual arts.

This first exhibition is open for visitors to view, with free entry, from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm until 18 September 2022. 

All the art work displayed in the exhibition will be available for purchase to any art lover.

‘Maisha ya Zanzibar’ (‘Zanzibar Life’).

The theme this year of the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation award for visual arts is ‘Maisha ya Zanzibar’.  All the local participating artists will present their interpretation of Zanzibar’s diverse life and its heritage.

New Emerson Art Gallery in Stone Town

Celebrating Art – Art Exhibition & Artists’ Stories

The Art Exhibition, VIP Official opening was on 17 June 2022.

Emerson Zanzibar Foundation thanked all the artists, the Emerson Zanzibar team, judges and of course the Guest of Honour, Minister of Information, culture, youth and sports. Hon. Tabia Maulid Mwita. Also Deputy Principal Secretary Ministry of Information, Culture, youth and sports Mr. Khamis Abdallah Said who both spoke at the event.

The exhibition in the new Emerson Art Gallery & Café can be found by an entrance next to Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel in Stone Town. 

Entrance is free for all visitors from 18 June 2022, Tuesday through Sunday from 10am-6pm until 18 September 2022.

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

Watch a video that captures the essence of the opening of Emerson Gallery and Art Exhibition 2022.  

Guest of Honour, Minister of Information, culture, youth and sports. Hon. Tabia Maulid Mwita. Also Deputy Principal Secretary Ministry of Information, Culture, youth and sports Mr. Khamis Abdallah Said

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…’

Maisha Ya Zanzibar

Find out all about the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation events taking place between 16 June to 18 September 2022 on our Social Media

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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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Open post by emersonzanzibarfoundation with ID 18135302869449946
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!

Email:[email protected]

Whatsapp: +255 687 048 767



#EmersonsZanzibar #MusicAward2026 #TaarabFusion#ZanzibarVibes

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Open post by emersonzanzibarfoundation with ID 17991571982916581
*🎉 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:foundation@emersonzanzibar.com Whatsapp: +255 687 048 767 #EmersonsZanzibar #MusicAward2026 #TaarabFusion#ZanzibarVibes

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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

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Open post by emersonzanzibarfoundation with ID 17914184673124787
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: foundation@emersonzanzibar.com 📸 Follow the journey: @emersonzanzibarfoundation | @emersonspicehotel | IG: @suzyart575 / FB: @Suzy Art

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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

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Open post by emersonzanzibarfoundation with ID 18065500613243028
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 foundation@emersonzanzibar.com 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

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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

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Open post by emersonzanzibarfoundation with ID 17961392487020817
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 foundation@emersonzanzibar.com or whatsapp: +255 687 048 767

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*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.*

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Open post by emersonzanzibarfoundation with ID 18189049426345769
*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.*

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🎶 *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

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Open post by emersonzanzibarfoundation with ID 18065036192222359
🎶 *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

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