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 MoreAfrica has been the last hit covid19 continent, and like the rest of the world, each country has taken a difference stance in tackling the issue. Others have followed the Indian approach of full Lockdown, some have spread awareness and encouraged face masks, whilst some have decided to let God do his work. What is clear is the lack of understanding, the lack of clarify in fighting and handling the disease and therefore confused messages for everyday Africans who will likely be the hardest hit.
Read MoreI went to check out the street food seller that have now crammed onto Coco Beach like never before to get their views. Literally, there is no room to walk onto the beach without squiggling through the food banda’s anymore. When I was growing up, there were no permanent banda’s and sellers usually walked from car to car selling their snacks.
Read MoreI've been visiting Stone Town ever since I was a child. Both my parents ancestors first landed in Zanzibar; and although most of them have migrated out of the island, I will always have a special connection with this island.
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 MoreMuchacho's Restaurant has been around since 1986! It was started by Mr Saidi (of Arab descent) in the Kariakoo' neighborhood of Dar Es Salaam. Despite it's humble facilitates, the place attracted foodies from all over the the city, cutting all social classes. The concept of driveways is very new to Tanzania, and what made Muchachos pretty cool, was you could eat in your car! Let's face it, we all want to do that, especially on on days when you're not in the mood to socialize.
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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