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| From left Upendo Manase, Halima Masoud & Lilian Damas showcasing 'Strong Woman' a dance production in the Vinyago Series of ASEDEVA |
It’s a notable milestone when an arts & cultural center mushrooms in Tanzania which is owned and run by artists. In fact in the nation’s most vibrant city of Dar es Salaam you can count these centers in one hand. Most cultural centers are extensions of foreign embassies like the Goethe Institute or Alliance Francais, the Russian Culture center etc. Or they are owned by cultural practitioners and or the government, seldom are these centers owned and run by artists themselves.
Which is why there was cause for celebrations on
the 4th of May when ASEDEVA-Art for Social and Economic Development for
Africa an Arts nonprofit organization. Launched its headquarters in
Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam this organization which started back in 2012 and was
registered in 2014, works in dance, theatre and music productions. “We have always
wanted to have our own space, to work without restrictions. So over the years
we bought land in Mkuranga knowing one day we’ll build our permanent center
there but this is a long term goal. We are so thankful now to have rented this
space for ourselves which is close to the city but as well the local community
here in Kinondoni.” Shaban Mugado executive of Asedeva (dancer, choreographer
& musician)
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| From right Director of ASEDEVA Isack Abeneko with his colleague Ackley Mwalusamba sharing the opening speech at the launch of their headquarters in Kinondoni recently |
At the launch were notable members of the
cultural community including two representatives from BASATA-Tanzania National
Arts Council, members from the French & Norwegian Embassies, persons from
T-Africa dance crew, Nafasi Artspace, Action Music Academy as well fellow
artists. The new headquarters of Asedeva feature an airy hall with long walls that
can sit 350 people comfortably. With a makeshift stage under a Makuti thatch
roof making it easily a setting for many an art production.
Mme Elizabeth Ngheye graced the launch from
BASATA sharing. “On
behalf of the Secretary General let me congratulate you. As our Hon President
Mme Samia Suluhu is trying to push for art and tourism, now is the time for artists
to shine. As you know we have the arts fund it is there and will be operating
soon, so let us use this opportunity so we ensure art is a business…We believe you
will go on to do great things our request to you and all artists is to use us.
In the past our council didn’t have many workers but now we are enough with
varied skills so use us.” Her colleague Mr. Joseph Mmbigo added that over the
years Asedeva as a registered member of the council, has impressed them with
their diligent efforts here he urged other art organization to emulate
Asedeva’s zeal.
Currently
Asedeva is the organization behind Marafiki Music Festival, now in its third
year a product of their weekly gig ‘Marafiki Night Live’. The festival which
for this year is scheduled for the 6-9th October in Dar es Salaam
& Bagamoyo has gained the sponsorship of the French Embassy and Firefly
Bagamoyo. It highlights music acts in traditiona & afro-fusion genres a
sect which doesn’t get much mainstream airplay. Asedeva as well is the one
behind Haba na Haba Dance Festival which is their longest running project, this
year the festival which as well invites international contemporary &
traditional dancers to perform will run from the 25th of July to the
30th of the same.
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| Anette Otilie Pettersen Embassy officer from the Norwegian Embassy in TZ, shared a few words at the launch of ASEDEVA headquarters in Kinondoni DSM earlier this month |
Asedeva is as well working on a production called ‘Vinyago’ involving multidisciplinary arts including theatre, dance & music, the piece questions aspect of the legacy of colonization in Tanzania. This production will be performed in Germany in November this year for a month circuit later to return to Tanzania in March 2023 to be performed in Dar, Mtwara & Bagamoyo. Answering on what drives Asedeva which has three top artist executives that are longtime friends Shaban Mugado, Ackley Mwalusamba & Isack Abeneko (the director). Isack had this to say “I would like art to have more power in the country, generally art has power. I am talking about art’s power to be the push for positive change and the bridge to notable solutions in the community. Art will always remain with an entertaining element but here at ASEDEVA our art also carries a message. Our productions tend to zoom in on specific challenges faired in our communities, political, colonial or social allowing for dialogue between differing perspectives and deeper introspection so as to inspire better living. ”
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| Mme Elizabeth Ngheye representation the Secretary General of BASATA cuts the tape to officially launch ASEDEVA headquarters in Kinondoni, DSM early in May 2022 |
We were all happy to be given a taste of Asedeva productions, when Shabo Makota came on stage a crooner with a guitar he gave us a soothing acoustic performance with percussionist Chudo. We as well were shown snippets of performances from the Vinyago production in the form of dances with live music. The first performance was with male dancers Thomas Yusti, Isdory Cosmas and Eddison called ‘Utawala’. The second was with female dancers Halima Masoud, Upendo Manase and Lilian Damas titled ‘Strong Woman’ the last piece involved all these dancers and a few more. It was a modernized rendition of the traditional ‘ngoma’ Sindimba from the Makonde tribe of Tanzania & Mozambique. All the dancers were scintillating I particularly was very impressed by the dancer Halima Masoud her energy, extensions and passion were just palpable.
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| From left Shaban Mugado andAckley Mwalusumba executives of ASEDVA sharing a few words at the launch of their new offices. |
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