Abafa(ba)zi celebrating creativity, culture and women’s tales

By Joanne Mwita

On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Nafasi Art Space in Dar es Salaam was transformed into a vibrant hub of artistic expression as it hosted "Abafa(ba)zi: Women, Wisdom & Wholeness."

The exhibition, organised in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Tanzania, was not just a showcase of art but an immersive experience that blended visual storytelling, music, food, performance, and conversation in a celebration of African women’s creativity and resilience.

By 7 pm, the venue was alive with excitement. Guests were welcomed with an electric atmosphere, a complimentary glass of wine, and an array of mini kiosks offering locally made merchandise, art pieces, handmade jewellery, and textiles, all contributing to the evening’s cultural richness.

Food stalls lined the space, serving Tanzanian favourites like mishkaki and other local delicacies, with beer flowing freely as attendees mingled in anticipation of the night’s main event.

Before the official start of the exhibition, the lead curator took the stage, setting the tone for the night. She spoke passionately about the meaning behind Abafa(ba)zi—a title that plays with language to spark conversations on gender, identity, and the evolving roles of women in society.

She emphasised how vital it is to amplify the voices of women in the arts, shedding light on the challenges they face and the importance of representation in creative spaces.

As guests explored the exhibition, they were met with a stunning array of works, paintings, sculptures, mixed-media installations, and photographs, all telling powerful stories of womanhood, struggle, and triumph.

One piece that stood out to many was a sculpture made entirely of nails. A viewer shared her thoughts; she said, "This piece really spoke to me. It reminded me of the hardships women go through to get where they’re going—the strength, the resilience, the pain, and the beauty that comes from it all."

The interactive nature of the exhibition allowed attendees to engage with the artists, discussing inspirations, techniques, and the deeper meanings behind their works.

One of the evening’s highlights was a featured artist whose storytelling through art captivated the audience, making her showcase a standout moment of the night.

Beyond the visual art, the "Abafa(ba)zi" exhibition was further enriched by a stunning contemporary dance performance from two of Tanzania’s most dynamic artists, Happyness Ndaki and Teddy Mtuta.

Their performance used movement as a form of storytelling, embodying the themes of resilience, identity, and the lived experiences of women in Africa.

The duo’s choreography was both fluid and intense, drawing the audience into an emotional journey that spoke of struggle, triumph, and the unbreakable spirit of womanhood. As they moved across the stage, their expressive gestures and synchronised rhythms created a deeply immersive experience, leaving many in the audience captivated.

Another attendee remarked, "Watching Happyness and Teddy perform felt like watching history unfold before our eyes. Their movements spoke louder than words, echoing the powerful messages behind the exhibition."

As the night unfolded, art was not the only form of expression. The event seamlessly transitioned into a celebration, with music filling the air and guests hitting the dance floor.

The fusion of contemporary African beats with traditional influences created an atmosphere of unity and joy, reinforcing the theme of honouring women's stories through various artistic mediums.

Director of Nafasi Art Space, Lilian Mushi, reflected on the impact of the event, This exhibition is not just about showcasing art; it’s about providing a space for women’s voices to be heard and appreciated. It’s about redefining narratives and inspiring future generations to take up space in the art world."

Established in 2008 by a collective of Tanzanian artists, Nafasi Art Space continues to be a trailblazer in the local and regional art scene.

Regular exhibitions, workshops, and artist residencies ensure a constant flow of creative energy. Those eager to explore upcoming events can find more details on Nafasi Art Space’s official website and social media pages.

As the final notes of the evening's music faded and the last guests departed, one thing was clear—"Abafa(ba)zi" was more than just an art exhibition; it was a movement, a celebration, and a testament to the power of women in the arts.

It reinforced Nafasi Art Space’s role as a pioneer in contemporary African art, fostering conversations that challenge, inspire, and reshape the creative landscape of Tanzania.