AS ENGLAND PLAYS QUARTER FINALS 2018 TOMORROW

Tomorrow, Saturday 7 July, is an important day in Tanzania. TANU was formed on Saba-Saba Day, 1954. Sixty four years. Tomorrow might be someone’s birthday. Tomorrow is significant for the English and Swedish team as they square off each other –at this World Soccer Cup Russia 2018. Seven-Seven is also thirteen years since London experienced a 2005 horrific terrorist attack. 

Yes.

 7 July 2005.

But let us pause- on the football.

We are aware not all reading this are so fond of what Brazil’s legend Pele called “the beautiful game...”Not all. Even as euphoria and joy and zeal and suspense balloons around our ongoing fun and sport, you still hear those: unfazed, unconvinced and unmoved.

EATING RIGHT FOODS MAY FIGHT STRESS AND BOOST OUR HEALTH

 True.

Science has helped us function. Science has made us cleverer. Unlike animals who just eat, sleep, procreate, play, eat, sleep, procreate, moan. Earth is not the same as it was in 1958, 1775 or 1211.

 Last week we spoke of the industrial revolution giving us products that help us, but also mess our health. Like plastics. This week let us look at stress.

WET AFTERNOON AND A JUNKIE HOBBLING ON A LONDON STREET

It is a cold wet winter afternoon few days after the Paris and Bamako terrorist attacks. As I stroll down a major street in East London, a man is melodically hollering:

“Evening Standard! Evening Standard!”

 He hands me a copy of the free daily London newspaper.

THE LANGUAGE ISSUE AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN TANZANIA

Whenever our political leaders fly overseas there are those very keen to meet and hear them.  Earnestly.  A second group prefers keeping grievances secret and carry on “boxing” as the Swahili slang goes. Boxing (kupiga Boksi) is a decade long jargon that means sweating it out in foreign lands. They might read and watch the news but keep on working. The third type has detached itself. Totally.  Suspicious, cynical and distrustful, for this lot, political visitors resemble aliens from another planet. These, would only turn to embassies when there is an urgency e.g. death,  visa issues, etc.  They are like those citizens who never vote, read newspapers or watch television.  

Flanked by High Commissioner, His Excellency Peter Kallaghe,  Deputy High Commissioner, Msafiri Marwa and UK- Tanzania Business Group chairman, Mr Kam Khaki, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industries, Ms Janet Mbene...speaks in London. Pic by Rashid Dilunga

TANZANIAN PUBLISHES BOOK ON RUSSIAN EXPERIENCES DURING SOCIALIST ERA...

Some books have to be written. They must be published not for ego, money and fame - but future generations.

 “An African Student in Russia- Soviet Union” by Dr Onesphor Kyara is that type. Having failed to find a publisher (one of rejection slips hurled back by the mighty Penguin) Dr Kyara decided to self-publish. Thanks to our golden era of internet and information technology self publishing is easy in 2014.

 Available on Amazon,  E-bay, Apple i- books, as well Burns and Noble /Nook, “An African Student in Russia-Soviet Union” will soon reach  Africa based readers if Dr Kyara’s efforts succeed through  Mkuki na Nyota, local bookshops and South Africa’s Kalahari.

These are  early days.

It has only been two months...

 At the height of Ujamaa policies and the international cold war it was taboo to say certain things. 

Kyara and Marina at the height of their romance and subsequent marriage. The interesting book tells it all...

ANTI POACHING CRUSADER CAMPAIGNING FOR NATURAL SPECIES

Last week world wide media reports focussed on the sinister slaughter of twelve elephants inside a Kenyan game reserve. On Monday, the Kenyan government announced that the anti-poaching lobby is now a matter of national security. These events and killings, a Kenyan spokesman was quoted telling CNN, are not restricted to animals.  Rangers are being murdered too. Ruthless poachers are keen “to fuel appetites of Asian clients especially in Thailand and China.”

Most East African readers have certainly heard about this. What matters, however, are reactions and what should be done.

Is there any need for the average African living in this so- called wild continent to be concerned that animals are being for pesa? Aren’t we supposed to love meat? Wild meat is especially more delicious than domesticated cows, goats, chicken etc. One guinea fowl (“Kanga” in Swahili)-which I find tastier than chicken or duck- costs around 10,000 T-shillings in a London supermarket, for example.

I am being sarcastic of course.

Slaughtered elephants, pic by Michael Nichols courtsey of Advocate Habitat Blog...

There are two strands here.
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THE SAGA OF WIKILEAKS NEWSMAN JULIAN ASSANGE IN LONDON

Ambling  through the affluent areas of South West London I find myself at the famous Harrods shopping complex. Harrods towers above me like an old, crafty crocodile; where millionaires, the wealthy and royal buy stuff. It was created in 1834 and had many owners including Egyptian businessman Al Fayed whose son, Dodi, perished with Princess Diana in 1997. Two years ago this biggest (shopping) establishment in UK was sold to Qatar Prime Minister, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani. (What a long name!) it is said the cost was one and half billion pounds.

Woow...

 Harrods soars over me as I marvel its amazing architecture. Wazungu always score with their buildings. They keep them fresh and forever. Many years ago while touring (with a theatre group) in Vienna, Austria I was mesmerised  how ancient pretty buildings still dazzle the city.

Like Zanzibar’s Stone Town, perhaps?

Author ambles around Stone Town in 2011...spooky and interesting

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THE SILENT AGONY OF WORLD WIDE FEMALE WORLD MUTILATION

Last weekend The Sunday Times headlines screamed about the increasing number of sick immigrant women seeking medical help. “Up to 100,000 women in Britain have undergone brutal sexual mutilations,” the respected paper said following a secret undercover investigation that exposed African doctors offering illegal operations costing £750 per session.

 Around ten years ago a Tanzanian High Commission official in London told me the amount of registered Tanzanian nationals living in the UK was approximately 100,000.

If we statistically agree that immigrants make less than 30 percent of the overall population (roughly 60 million Britons) then 100,000 women is quite a large amount. According to BBC, main communities practising female genital mutilation in the UK are from Yemen, Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea.

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UK RIOTS AND LESSONS ON YOUTH, RESPONSIBILITY AND SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

She says: “I am 29 years old and probably belong to the last generation of people who respect and fear authority.”

The broadcaster asks her to elaborate.

“Just observe the situation. Most of the youths that were breaking and looting are fearless. They don’t care. They know nothing will happen. No punishment.”

The conversation is one of the many ongoing public dialogues this week. Since riots began last Friday after the shooting of a young black man (Mark Duggan) in Tottenham north London, every day has been a thrill of discussions.

  Leaders rushed from overseas  holidays , police were recalled from their off duties, media pundits  and almost every one has had something to say including the very youths who have been leading the “ burning  and looting” ( to paraphrase a Bob Marley song). 

Mark Duggan, the 29 year old's death sparked the riots...

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HAS NEOCOLONIALISM CONTRIBUTED IN MAKING US DISTRUST OUR LEADERS WHETHER GOOD OR BAD?

All languages and cultures have proverbs about leadership. One from Madagascar says: “When leaders are wise, so are the people.”  

Good leadership is the most needed element in Africa today. Not only are our leaders mistrusted, they are either despots or total fools; a nice one is considered manna from heaven. Think of those who resigned peacefully like Leopold Senghor of Senegal, Mwalimu Nyerere and Mzee Mandela who represent African substance, humility, joy, wisdom.

A demo against Arms trade. Pic courtsey of Haki Ngowi Blog

During these past 500 years, history has seen our mysterious, rich continent being turned into a lucrative playing ground for foreign powers. Mandela’s South Africa was under whites for 400 years. Back then only ten percent of the population ruled 80% majority non whites. When Madiba left jail twenty years ago, we expected sweet revenge. It had happened in Mozambique in 1975, so why not? However, being the unique leader that he was and surrounded by spiritual geniuses like Bishop Desmond Tutu, he chose truth and reconciliation. Mandela aimed to heal rather than antagonise the four centuries scar.

FINANCIAL CUTS ARE ABOUT TO TRANSFORM OUR LIVES DRASTICALLY

A few days ago a good friend phoned to borrow some money. He had a small problem with his car and the law. Usually in such circumstances a person would be anguished, but the guy was laughing:

“You know what I just realised, Freddy? You are the seventh person I am calling. Despite most of us driving cars,  having nice TV’s at home and eating regular meals; despite all this, none of us has any money. I am in dire straits, I might go to prison you know. I am desperate but no one can help me. I might be stupid saying this but I think back home in Africa they have more money than us. These cuts are very bad.”

Is that right?

That people back home have more cash?

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RAZA PAINTING EXHIBITION IN LONDON OPENS THIS WEEKEND

This Friday, London, will be experiencing a little of Tanzania.

It won’t be your usual conferences by respected executives, diplomats and political heavyweights. It won’t be a representation of athletes, cricket players, and football teams. Not a fashion show with entertainment via singers Lady Di, Ray C or Taarab music. Nothing of the sort. Not even contemporary Bongo Flava of Mr. Two, TID Zeze, Mr Nice, Diamond and traditional music from late Hukwe Zawose, Wananjenje, Twanga Pepeta or the late Remmy Ongala’s Bongo Beat. These are the sort of things we are used to. When such acts visit London Tanzanians normally flock in dozens to cheer and dust off homesick blues.

But painters? A painting exhibition?

I beg your pardon. This is news.

Raza Mohamed was born in August, 1946. He started sketching with charcoal in 1952.
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A BOLD MP FROM STONE TOWN AND RAZA, ICONIC PAINTER IN LONDON

During last week’s Diaspora 3 conference in London two fascinating trivial things occurred. The bigger things have already been reported in various sections of the media. Speeches and pictures of Foreign Minister, Mr Bernard Membe expressing how the nation values the economic and technical contribution of overseas based Tanzanians; promises of government involvement in speeding the process of dual citizenship was amongst highlights of his applauded speech. The Foreign Minister was simply, spot on. I spoke to several Tanzanians during the conference. I spoke to those who support such events. They warmed up to the man. I spoke to a chap who had asked a question and was impressed by the answers he got. I spoke to a lady who distrusts political leaders.

“That Minister is excellent,” she said shaking her head. “It was like attending a University lecture. He defined things and elaborated stuff without sounding pompous.”

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KITABU KINACHOELEZEA YALIYOWAFIKA WAPINZANI TANZANIA CHATOKA UINGEREZA...

Kina kurasa 272.

Toka nchi yetu iwe huru miaka hamsini sasa hajatokea Mtanzania akaandika kitabu cha aina hii.  Watanzania tunaogopa. Hofu hiyo imeenea miaka mingi na imetushika hata sisi wanahabari wenyewe.

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DAR ES SALAAM BLASTS- OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT KIKWETE

Dear Your Excellency,
Greetings from London.
I hope you are well and in good health because we need you very much. Never has a leader of our country been under so much pressure and scrutiny. However, since being under the microscope is nothing new to all Presidents let me start by saying we wish you the best. We are on your side. You won a landslide in 2005 then faced a slightly harder election last year. That is to be expected.
Democracy is the name of the game; you and CCM have allowed it to happen; we are not a 40 year old dictatorship like some of our brothers in Middle East countries.
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As long as you allow free and fair elections; you should experience positive pressure (like a parent expected to provide food to his children). But if you are a thief, a political liar it shall be negative pressure. The opposition will not shut their mouths; this means sleepless nights, locking people up, secret killings, political cover ups, a cynical media and so forth.
This democratic freedom should be one of the best things about Tanzania and her interesting history.
While many African countries mourned and buried thousands through civil war we assisted our brothers and sisters to hoist flags in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Eritrea, Biafra and Uganda. We allowed numerous camps to be built to house fugitives from Burundi, Rwanda, Congo, you name it. In 2002, the UN named Tanzania amongst top refugee hosts on the continent alongside Ghana, another bacon of peace and harmony.
We have come a long way. The last time any major hostility was battled on Tanga Nyika plains was in 1907 when the colonists tried stamping out the Maji Maji resistance. Even the writer Ebrahim Hussein (hope he is well) created a play regarding the Ndengereko-Zaramo hero, Kinjeketile. Yes, your Excellency. You govern a special country.
Our military history is unique; our army used to be respected and feared at the same time. Not only because we blew out butchers like Idi Amin in 1979, but also stood fearlessly, to protect our continental family. Even though the former South African apartheid regime possessed nuclear armoury we stood stoically and supported our bleeding cousins. Poor we were and relied on imported weapons but we had one thing Mr. President. A disciplined army. We had soldiers who were trusted by the people. Soldiers who lived amongst citizens without suspicion or Juju ghosts. Our askaris were considered an army of the people and the phrase Jeshi la Wananchi (TPDF) signifies just that.
You are the chief of this army. An army that has not attempted to disobey nor topple your government, TANU or CCM; since the 1964 failed rebellion. That is a long time. An obedient faithful army.
Now you must finally sense where we are going with this letter. Many have already spoken their minds regarding the Gongo la Mboto and Mbagala accidents. Some have called for the army bosses (chief of staff and Minister) to resign; we have listened to you calling for the modernisation of the army. Oh yes. We are all concerned and worried. Here in the UK we are currently collecting small funds to help the victims; a tiny gesture expressing how we care.
A final question Mr President.
Do serious accidents happen twice? We have heard bus accidents happening over twenty times and the police force doing nothing about it. When the bombs exploded at Mbagala in 2009, killing 24, it was an accident, definitely. Then there were calls for an investigation but a report never materialised. Twenty four civilians dying due to a military accident is a serious matter. But to occur again and causing over twenty deaths (Gongo la Mboto) plus extra civilian fear is not just a grave but also a national security issue.
Potential enemies (I hope we do not have enemies, we have been good guys; always caring for our neighbours) might be wondering how efficient Tanzania’s security is. If we keep stabbing our fingers with our own knives, what will happen if extremists decide to sharpen their swords? In other words if this so called peaceful Tanzania cannot keep her own bombs securely and end up harming civilians, what would happen if malicious elements (inside and outside) decide to do a little mischief. You have, probably, thought about that of course.


- London, Monday, 21st February, 2011.
Published in Citizen Tanzania:
http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/editorial-analysis/-/8556-blasts-an-open-letter-to-president-kikwete

SHORT FUSE LONDON AND MODERN CITY STRESS

I am driving up a small side street towards a major road somewhere in north London. It is Saturday afternoon; a few minutes ago the rain stopped so I can still see tiny pools, puddles and trickles of water on paths, pavements and roof tops of Victorian houses in this ancient, interesting city. Nothing unusual except that a car has suddenly opened doors, two young guys are getting out blocking the road. I have to break quickly.
As any driver in any large town knows it is normal to encounter mindless, reckless, unpredictable motorists, pedestrians crossing without bothering to look, in a hurry to catch a bus that might leave any second, elderly people struggling up busy routes; cyclists battling against vehicles and the constant yelling and finger pointing amongst various road users.
These are the constant, continuous hazards of driving in urban areas. In developing cities like Mexico City, New Delhi, Lagos, Nairobi, Rio de Janeiro, Bangkok or our own Dar es Salaam you could add the loud noises and sounds of animals (pigs, cows and chicken), kids and touts selling goods, bawling their lungs out. Oh yes, city life is hectic and rowdy.
Trinidad born writer, V.S. Naipaul, the 2001 Nobel Prize winner for Literature, describes this feel in his book “India: A million Mutinies Now” (1990).
“The visitor coming to Bombay from the airport, might see only small dark men in an undifferentiated crowd, and dust and fumes; might see, between the concrete blocks, a mess of makeshift huts and the parasitic shelters those huts spawned, one kind of dependence leading down into another; might see what looked like the unending smallness of men.”
So as I halt abruptly, I wish it was for a different circumstance. The usual modus operandi would be a mother trying to bring out a baby from her car; therefore, forgetting her door is blocking the path. That one is understandable since mothers and their babies are like a disaster waiting to happen. You expect them from every corner; out of school yards (dropping other kids) into super markets and shops. You have to be cautious; and as a driver it is second nature; be careless at your own peril.
This, however, is not a mother and baby but two young arrogant fellows charged with machismo and testosterone lunacy. Their age could be early twenties, the mannerisms scream as much as their selfish attitude.
Luckily, I was not speeding so my breaking to avoid their car’s door is effortless. Nonetheless, despite being cautious and dodging knocking them; they both give me bad looks (that say go to hell) waving arms in the air in that wronged image similar to Jesus Christ being crucified.
Aha.
London displaying a good example of short fuse reaction; a reaction you get from the smallest, mundane, trivial situations. People on edge; over reacting.
A friend was telling a story about an angry chap eager to fight at a crowded market the other day.
“I am watching this guy walking then accidentally bumping into two other guys talking to each other. They are deep into their conversation and he is obviously not looking. So who is wrong? Yet, he turns around and starts calling them names. Very short fuse.”
Stress, right?
“Absolutely!” he says, “ money, desperation, tension and selfishness.”
In “Body Language” published in 1970, American psychologist, Julius Fast argues that as children we are free with both our bodies and emotions but learn to hide true feelings as we grow up. Mr. Fast compares this acquired defence mechanism to being crippled. “And so we smile our way through the day, though in fact we may feel angry and annoyed beneath the smile.”
To many across the universe urban life means employment, prosperity, education and opportunities. But it all makes us jumpy and egoistic.
Back in the 1970’s Tanzania writers and musicians assisted the ruling party’s campaign to stop rural citizens running to towns and cities. Even a major Kiswahili movie called “Fimbo Ya Mnyonge” highlighted this policy. The whole campaign was like a crime does not pay philosophy.
Ujamaa policies argued that countryside was paradise.
Whereas rural life in Africa today is akin to poverty, in rich countries only the wealthy can afford the relative comfort of rural paradise. A paradise considered better in terms of fresh air, natural warmth, relaxed atmosphere and less stress; without the uptight short fuse of city dwellers.

-London, Monday, 14th February, 2011.

Published in Citizen Tanzania

http://www.google.co.uk/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=mazahn+berlin&btnG=Google+Search&aq=o&oq=

MY DINNER WITH THE EGYPTIAN COUPLE

“Is it halal?”
“The meat or everything else?”
“The meat, my friend, the meat.”
Dr. Mohammed Kharib (not real name) is gingerly holding the delicious fried chicken. After assuring him it is halal and that I actually do not eat pork we continue dining in peace. An hour later we have all retired to the living room, drinking, chatting. We are waiting for Haifa to get ready to sing.
By the way this is not the famous singer, model and provocative Haifa Wehbe from Lebanon. Haifa is just an assumed nickname of Dr. Kharib’s wife, Wahida; an amateur musician.
She and her husband have been my friends for many years since the days I visited Cairo for the first time. I have always been fond of Egyptian people who I find warm hearted and sincere.
Long time ago I use to work in the Egyptian Embassy in Dar es Salaam as a translator and receptionist. I have memories of those wonderful Egyptians helping me stutter through Arabic greetings.

RECALLING A BALD HEADED FIGURE FROM THE PAST...

I was at a Malawian party at the Commonwealth club in Pall Mall, South West London last weekend. Malawians are the mellowest people and throughout my life I have been around them. For several decades they have become part of our Tanzanian communities. I even co-founded a band called Sayari with a Dar es Salaam based Malawian musician thirty years ago. Unlike other Africans who tend to have an accent when they speak Swahili, Malawians blended easily.
History has messed us, culturally. Before the division of the continent in 1884 we were close knit tribes. Separation of Maasais in Kenya or Tanganyika; Lwoos in Kenya or Uganda; Makonde in Mozambique or south Tanzania was imposed. What separated people in Mbeya and Nyasaland (which came to be called Malawi) were the lake and a divisionary mandate during the scramble for Africa.
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Mind you these territorial splits are world wide. They have been causing uncomfortable tensions between South and North Koreans or amongst East and West Germans until the Berlin wall was smashed in 1990. I wish more walls would be broken down. The world would be a better place. It is this particular division of communities and nations that has caused so much conflict and estrangement in our lives. At the height of animosity there was even a possibility of war between us and Malawi because of Lake Nyasa.
As I child I would hear the derogatory remark:
“Wee Mnyasa nini?” (Stop behaving like a Mnyasa, meaning a Malawian refugee).
Globally, it is widely spread. Against the Irish, Jews, Pakistanis (Pakis), Arabs in France or Nigerians and Jamaicans in London. Prejudice the word, discrimination the result.
“Mnyasa” was such a distinct form of abuse in Tanzania forty years ago that it would be levelled against opposition leaders of the government like the late Oscar Kambona, the biggest and direct critic to CCM and President Nyerere.
It’s true that Malawians were fleeing the iron rule of the late strongman Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda; the man with a bald head.
Young Citizen readers born after 1980 might not know Kamuzu Banda. Like most leaders who led Africa after the surge of independence from 1957 to 1965 having freed themselves from colonial rule, Dr. Banda was well educated. We had Dr. Nyerere, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. Jomo Kenyatta, even Sir Seretse Khama; doctors of philosophies, master of their own destinies. But how many of these “doctors” really delivered the fruits of independence?
Dr. Kamuzu Banda managed Malawi from 1964 until 1994. He was hailed as a hero by some of his people and a tyrant by others. In 1971 he declared himself President for Life. Is that unusual in Africa? How many leaders have stepped down willingly through free and fair elections?
Anyway, I am at this Malawian party in London; I see a guy in a suit who reminds me of the late Dr. Kamuzu Banda.
“Mulibwanji?”
“Tulibwinu.”
After stumbling through my scanty Kinyanja vocabulary the bald headed gentleman also shows off his equally limited Kiswahili knowledge.
“Habari bwana!”
Ice broken, laughter bubbling, it is time for me to drop the bomb. I cannot help it and my big mouth let slip the rubbish sentence.
“You remind me of Dr...”
I see the man in a suit recoiling as if I have said I fancy his wife.
“Don’t start!”
What the hell is he thinking?
“I know what you are you going to say,” he whispers.
His face drops, the smile fades away, he turns sombre as if we are in the middle of a serious cabinet conference in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi.
“You know what? You are the third man to have said that. It is starting to worry me.”
I pretend to be naive.
“Is it a bad thing?”
He shakes his head. “A bad thing? That was not a good man at all.”
I watch the jovial fellow in a suit shrinking like trousers that have just been washed and still soaking wet; he is suddenly looking sad, forlorn and unhappy. I am not sure why he has reminded me of Crazy Baldhead a reggae tune written (ironically at the height of Dr. Kamuzu Banda’s rule in 1974) by Bob Marley, the legendary Jamaican musician.

-London, Tuesday, 1st February, 2011.
Published in Citizen Tanzania:
http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/editorial-analysis/-/7912-recalling-a-bald-headed-figure-from-the-past

INTERVIEW WITH AUSTRALIAN BASED MUSICIAN DAVE MARAMA

Latest floods in Australia and Brazil have caught news headlines. One of East African citizens I spoke to early this week is guitarist Dave Marama who left Dar es Salaam in 1991 to live in Australia. His CD “Do Anything, Go Anywhere” with the Public Opinion Afro Orchestra was recently nominated for ARIAS which is the Australian equivalent of USA Grammy Awards. The album pays homage to late Nigerian musician Fela Kuti who died in 1997.  

FM: Tell us about the floods...

DM: The situation especially in Queensland is dire. Today the river has subsided so relief to the people affected by this disaster. A lot of clean up is currently taking place and we are wishing for a quick recovery to the people and economies of Queensland and New South Wales.
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Do you like it there?

I am settled and one has to reconcile with their immediate nest. Yes, we have a reasonably large Tanzanian community in Australia, let alone Melbourne. Good to catch up for a good laugh and that Bongo sense of humour...

What do you do?

I am a Lawyer by trade but have largely worked in Community Development, CUSO (Canadian University Services Overseas) and its equivalent here in Australia where I was managing the Zimbabwean and Mozambican programs when I arrived. I later worked for RMIT University for 18 years and my last position was with Monash College both leading institutions in Australia. Musically, I was connected to the African scene immediately upon arrival. I have played with various bands since: Clan Swahili, Musiki Manjaro and currently the Public Opinion Afro Orchestra which plays Afro Beat.

Young people in Tanzania do not quite know you as you come from the Seventies generation one of the most significant era of our music.

You are right, the 1970’s saw the emergency of good music and rise of Soul, Funk, Rock, Rumba, Afro Beat, talk about Jimi Hendrix, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Wilson Pickett, James Brown, Aretha, The Temptations, George Benson, BB King, Franco, Fela Kuti, Lipua Lipua, Fauvette,  Buddy Guy, Sparks, Maquis du Zaire, Groove Makers, Tonics, NUTA Jazz, Rifters and many more.  I was influenced by this sudden surge of synergy. I played guitar since 11 years young in Arusha and Dar around 16 years. Arusha and Dar were  booming with music so I  played with the Funky Mob, Hijackers, Shades of Time in Arusha and Dar Comets, Sound of Hope, Watafiti and managing Tatu Nane  in the 1990’s.

Any nostalgia?

I love Tanzania my spiritual home and Malawi my home country. I have a special affinity to Tanzania for its hospitality and the care extended to so many refugees who landed there. President Nyerere is my hero for having extended that Liberation principle to us in reverse of the oppression that was going on in Malawi then. I always wanted for the situation in Malawi to change, it did not and I had to make a decision with my family to leave for Australia, where there was good provided education for the kids. This was not an easy decision as I love my Ugali, Samaki choma and the energy Africa delivers top soul and heart.

Many overseas African musicians are forced to do jobs they do not like (e.g. cleaning, security guards, etc) because it is not easy to make a living through music. What is your take on that?

  The issue is how do you survive and make a name? Obviously hard work, discipline, vision, team playing if in a band, choose right groups, drop the ego, and be patience. Honestly speaking, it is not easy to survive as a musician unless you are really good? And make it in Africa then here. If you are really good, do not waste your time go to New York and hit it big like Richard Bona, Angelika Kidjo and Lionel Loueke...

Would you advice young Tanzanian musicians to go overseas and try their luck?

Yes if you are good, go for it. Recently I had the privilege of meeting my friends from In Africa here in Melbourne. They are doing really well. Read the contacts understand the business do not just say Napaa Majuu; there is No Majuu without plan and talent. 

More info on Marama visit: http://www.thepublicopinion.net

-London, 18th January, 2011.

 Also published in Citizen Tanzania

http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/editorial-analysis/20-analysis-opinions/7455-meet-australia-based-tanzanian-musician-dave-marama.html

THAT'S THE WAY THINGS GO- SO SANG MUSICIAN BOB DYLAN

I was having dinner with a family of a child I have been teaching piano for a couple of years. Let us call the ten year old, Philip. Philip lives with his single mother and the father who is separated from them helps paying for the gifted boy to become a world famous pianist one day. The business of investing in children with talent is every parent’s concern. Children stars in the music industry have become the norm. Forty years ago American singers Michael Jackson or Donny Osmond, both of whom were huge celebrities in the 1970’s was a rarity. I remember listening to Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five while still in secondary school and feeling envious. His song Maria gave us goose bumps and made hair behind my neck stand like I was being glared by a hungry lion.