zanzibar unveiled

Vision

To rekindle pride, ownership, and visibility of Swahili culture in Zanzibar and inspire a global appreciation for its enduring legacy.

Mission

To engage Zanzibari youth, elders, and artisans in documenting, reviving, and showcasing Swahili cultural practices through interactive programs, digital storytelling, and international collaboration.

Project Objectives

• Preserve and promote Swahili cultural heritage through oral histories, traditional art forms, and rituals.
• Empower local communities, especially youth and women, to become cultural ambassadors and heritage custodians.
• Establish a digital and physical archive of Swahili traditions, crafts, music, and stories for public access and educational use.
• Foster sustainable cultural tourism by curating Swahili experiences, festivals, and exhibitions.
• Create intergenerational dialogues between Swahili elders, historians, and young creatives.

Key Project Components

1. Swahili Cultural Documentation & Digital Archive

• Oral histories recorded in Kiswahili with English subtitles.
• Virtual museum and online database (videos, texts, audio).
• Mapping of historical Swahili sites across Zanzibar.

2. Artisan Revival Workshops

• Traditional dhow building, henna art, tinga tinga painting.
• Stone carving, Swahili poetry (mashairi), music (taarab), dance.

3. Zanzibar Swahili Culture Festival (Annual)

• 7-day event showcasing food, fashion, music, and storytelling.
• Performances, film screenings, artisan markets, panel talks.

4. Youth Ambassador Program

• Training 50+ youth in Swahili cultural history, documentation, tour guiding.
• School outreach and storytelling contests.

5. Elder & Artisan Story Circles

• Monthly meetings with elders to record oral traditions.
• Artistic collaborations between generations.

Project Timeline

Duration: 18 months

Phase	Description	Duration
Phase 1	Planning, research, and stakeholder engagement	3 months
Phase 2	Workshops, documentation, and training	6 months
Phase 3	Festival and exhibitions	2 months
Phase 4	Archiving, evaluation, and sustainability plan	7 months

Estimated Budget

Total Estimated Budget: $144,100

Expected Impact

• Partner with local schools, ministries, and cultural institutions for curriculum integration.
• Establish a permanent youth culture club to continue engagement year-round.
• Host annual festivals and digital content updates to maintain relevance and youth interest.
• Generate income through artisanal sales and tourist-targeted cultural experiences.

Partnerships & Stakeholders

• Zanzibar Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
• Local NGOs and community groups.
• UNESCO & African Union cultural bodies.
• Universities and research institutions.
• International heritage and tourism organizations.

Why Now?

Globalization and urban development are accelerating the loss of Swahili cultural expressions. With each passing year, more of this rich intangible heritage risks being erased. Zanzibar Unveiled is not just a documentary—it’s a movement to reclaim pride, visibility, and continuity for the Swahili way of life, ensuring it's not just remembered but re-lived.

Target Audience

• Global Cultural Enthusiasts: Travelers, anthropologists, and heritage lovers interested in African history, language, and tradition.
• Diaspora Communities: Swahili speakers and East African diaspora seeking reconnection with their roots.
• Academics & Students: Institutions studying African languages, postcolonial cultures, and intangible heritage.
• Cultural Organizations & NGOs: Stakeholders in heritage preservation, education, and intercultural dialogue.
• Local Youth & Artists: Future custodians of Swahili identity eager to engage, express, and evolve tradition through contemporary means.

Call to Action

Join Us in Reviving the Soul of Swahili Culture!

We’re calling on cultural allies, historians, creatives, and change-makers to be part of this transformational journey. Here's how you can get involved:

• Support the Documentary – Back us through donations or partnerships to bring Swahili stories to global screens.
• Collaborate as an Artist or Scholar – Submit your work or research to be featured in our archive or exhibitions.
• Spread the Word – Share our vision on social media and help amplify Swahili voices.
• Sponsor a Workshop – Help fund intergenerational programs that teach, preserve, and innovate Swahili cultural practices.
• Host an Exhibit or Screening – Bring Zanzibar Unveiled to your school, museum, or city.