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John Jackson JJ: Leading Tanzania’s voice in Global Sports reporting
Combined photos: Left – John Jackson with Real Madrid midfielder Trent Alexander-Arnold; Right – John Jackson with Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- In a world where representation matters, John Jackson JJ stands tall as proof that Tanzania belongs on every global stage—loud, proud, and in full voice.
Dar es Salaam. When the world tunes in to major football showdowns—from the dazzling lights of Wembley to the thunderous roars of the Santiago Bernabéu—one voice rises above the noise, echoing with a Swahili heartbeat:
“Hey, my name is John Jackson from Tanzania.”
That voice belongs to John Jackson Makanzo, fondly known as John Jackson JJ—a trailblazing sports journalist making history as he places Tanzania firmly on the global football media map.
Born and raised on Tanzanian soil and backed by a legal education, JJ has shattered ceilings in international journalism, becoming the only Tanzanian to report live from some of the world’s biggest football stages.
From the English Premier League to La Liga, and from the UEFA Champions League to EURO 2024, JJ isn’t simply covering the game—he’s on the pitch, in the press rooms, behind the mics. He’s not just a reporter. He’s a symbol of a new era.
Breaking borders, telling stories
What makes JJ stand out isn't just where he is—but how he represents. With a sharp sense of professionalism, a signature style, and an unmistakable Tanzanian identity, JJ brings authenticity to every moment he covers.
He has interviewed football titans such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Harry Kane, delivering those world-class moments straight into Tanzanian homes. Yet, in every handshake, every broadcast, and every press conference, he wears his roots with pride.
“When I say ‘from Tanzania’—I mean it. It’s my purpose, my power,” JJ told The Citizen.
UEFA takes notice
JJ’s dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. During EURO 2024, he made history once more by becoming the only Tanzanian journalist to receive full media accreditation.
In recognition of his outstanding work, UEFA sent him a personal message of appreciation—commending both his professionalism and his role in bringing African perspective to global football coverage.
That moment was not his alone—it was a proud chapter in Tanzania’s growing sports media journey.
Flying the flag at the FIFA Club World Cup
Now, JJ is once again writing history as one of the accredited journalists covering the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025 in the United States.
Although Tanzania may not have a team on the pitch, its presence is powerfully felt through JJ’s voice, storytelling, and coverage from inside the world’s most iconic stadiums.
“It’s more than just a job. It’s a mission,” he said. “I want the world to know: Tanzania isn’t just watching football—we’re part of it.”
From Mwanza to Madrid, Dar to Dortmund
JJ’s journey from the streets of Mwanza to the stadiums of Madrid, Dar es Salaam to Dortmund, is a living testament to what happens when passion meets purpose.
He’s not just reporting scores—he’s changing narratives. He’s elevating Tanzanian visibility in spaces few expected it to reach.
In a world where representation matters, John Jackson JJ stands tall as proof that Tanzania belongs on every global stage—loud, proud, and in full voice.
