The Asian’s of East Africa, as they are commonly referred to are people of South Asian background that settled in Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya and Uganda over the last few centuries.
These Asian’s came in various waves and eventually formed the economic back bone of the region. Today there are relatively few around, and this is their story.
This is a long term project documenting their stories, in the hope of discovering my own place in this diverse community.
Read MoreHamisi came to Dar Es Salaam in 2000 after he failed his 7th grade exam at a school in Mtwara (his home town). He came to the city and started working with his brother selling fish at their stall in the Msasani Fish Market. Soon he learnt to differentiate between fish that were in demand, those that were fresh, dynamited, and how to haggle during the auctions held by the fishermen. He then developed relationships with customers through his stall and eventually started delivering directly to their homes.
Read MoreThe Bohra's are a population of approximately 1 million worldwide. Most of this community resides in India, Pakistan, East Africa and is scattered around the West. The community hosts their 10 days of Muharram (An important Islamic month) in various countries around the world. This year its Tanzania. Slowing economic growth has lead to falling house rentals and businesses suffering from lack of business and hence, the Bohra event has been a welcoming break for Dar Es Salaam's resident.
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