Letter on Singeli2TheWorld
Kwako Mpendwa,
I trust this letter finds you in good spirits. As for me, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, I’m grateful for the creative community of Dar es Salaam. I’m grateful for their stories, their courage in sharing parts of themselves, and their experiences. I am grateful for the spaces we create together, the richness of our culture. Above all, I am grateful for the art, the artists, and the privilege of witnessing their works come to life through exhibitions.
Today, I want to tell you about one such exhibition; SINGELI2THEWORLD. Yes, read that right, Singeli. The high energy sound of Tanzania. I’m sure you have heard of it by now – It’s all over the radio, TV and social media. Born over a decade ago from DJs mixing Tanzania’s traditional sounds like taarab and mchiriku, Singeli has become a genre that proudly speaks of its origins, its people, and its rhythms. This exhibition is a tribute to that very sound, captured through Vanessa Mwingira’s photographs. It showcased everything from musicians, DJs, dancers, recording studios, parties, and the vibrant communities of Dar es Salaam including areas like Mburahati, Manzese, Kigogo and Tiptop.
The exhibition began with a physical installation that invited visitors into the heart of a Singeli party. The metal rooftops installed as walls to create a space resembling a party venue. These walls are usually graffitied with familiar phrases drawn from the streets. My favorite is “AKUMBUKWE…” meaning “To be remembered”, followed by a name. Here, these markings found a new purpose, announcing SINGELI2THEWORLD and amplifying the movement to take Singeli global. Walking into the space, visitors find sand under their feet, an important element of Singeli parties. The opening night was full of energy. A DJ was invited for a live session, recreating the raw energy of a Singeli gathering. By the end of the night, the air was thick with movement, joy, and yes, a little dust.
The second part of the exhibition was a series of documentary images featuring icons of the Singeli world. Here are some familiar faces: DJ Sisso, Hemedi Dancer, Yamoto Music, Kadilida, Man Fongo, Rehema Tajiri and many more. These photographs celebrate the artists who have carried this genre on their backs, through their talent and constant dedication.
The exhibition concluded with a cinematic touch. Documentary teasers were projected onto white cement bags attached to the metal rooftops on the walls. These videos capture the lives of Singeli artists. One video was from Jan Moss’s film titled Greed for Speed , and another from BBC News. Adding depth and global perspectives to the story of the Singeli movement.
Through the SINGELI2THEWORLD exhibition, we celebrated not just music, but a movement. Honouring the people who created Singeli, the spaces it thrives in, and its potential to reach the world stage.
For me, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do; to share, to question, and to connect.
I wish you could have been there to experience it.
Until next time,
Tura
