We take a bow as the curtains are drawn for Life&Style's print editions

As the year draws to a close, The Citizen newspaper bids goodbye to a significant chapter in its history - the final printed edition of the Life&Style pullout.

For years, Life&Style has been a cherished companion for readers across Tanzania, offering insights into various aspects of daily life, culture, and the ever-evolving tapestry of our society.

The pullout has been more than just ink on paper; it has been a mirror reflecting the richness of Tanzanian life and culture.

The transition to a digital space signifies a willingness to embrace change while staying true to the essence that has made Life&Style a staple in households across the country.

This Sunday holds the key to a digital adventure, where the rhythm of the Tanzanian lifestyle will continue to beat brilliantly, echoing through the screens of devices across the nation.

In bidding farewell to the last print production and saying hello to a journey in the digital space, Life&Style readers express a mixture of desire and expectation.

Ms Zabibu Idrissa, an assistant lecturer at St Augustine University of Tanzania shares that it was like a routine for her to buy and read The Citizen newspaper almost every Sunday just to read the pullout, especially the cover story.

"Life&Style has been my Sunday morning companion for as long as I can remember. I loved the diverse range of topics it covered especially those of culture. It felt like a journey through the world within the confines of my home,” she says.
She went on to say the shift to digital space would force her to adapt fast as she was used to buying a hard copy of the newspaper and expect to experience new things.

“The shift to a digital space is bittersweet; while I'll miss the tangible pages, I'm excited about the possibilities that the digital format brings," she explains.
She adds: "I'll miss the feeling of holding the newspaper to read the pullout in my hands and flipping through the pages. To be honest, I feel like there's something special about the tangible experience of reading a newspaper that I'm not sure I'll get from reading online."

Similarly, Mr Steven Kaswahili, an advocate in Mwanza shares that he and his family have turned to reading a copy of the newspaper as a tradition in their family which he revealed could pose a challenge for his family to adapt.

"Sundays meant enjoying a cup of coffee while flipping through the articles. It brought a sense of community as we often discussed our favourite pieces. All my three sons have been using weekend editions to practice reading the English language and Life&style is one of the pullouts they enjoy reading as they say it’s very realistic,” he reveals.

He explains that the move to digital is a sign of the times: “I'll miss the tangible experience but I do understand the need for change. I am looking forward to the same quality content in a new format."

On top of that, a photographer in Dar es Salaam, Mr Justin Emmanuel famously known as ‘Emma Biggie’ shares: "The printed pullout was a procedural in our household. My children grew up reading it, and it became a source of knowledge and entertainment for the family.”
“As we shift to a digital space, I hope the online version preserves the sense of tradition and community that the printed edition embodied," he adds.

He says: "I'm curious about the interactive features the digital format might offer. Will there be videos, quizzes, or live discussions? The charm of the printed version was its simplicity, but the digital shift opens doors to a more dynamic reading experience. I'm excited to see how could they adapt to the digital landscape."

Ms Prisca Magori, CEO of Smart EFD shares: "Being a part of the younger generation, I appreciated Life&Style's ability to connect with various age groups. It wasn't just for the single group; there was something for everyone.”

She says that the transition to a digital space is like a natural step because the digital world is what runs the world right now.
"The good thing is I will be able to access the pullout anytime, anywhere, on my smartphone or tablet. It's so much more convenient than having to wait for the newspaper to arrive," she reveals.

“We are in the digital era. I see it as an opportunity for the publication to reach an even wider audience. It's time to embrace change. I’m just waiting to read it on the website," she says.
She adds: "Accessibility is key for me. If the digital pullout is user-friendly and can be easily accessed on various devices, it will make my Sundays just as enjoyable. I hope they maintain the quality of content while exploring the benefits of the digital medium."

Ms Lois Metili, an assistant lecturer at Tumaini University Dar es Salaam College (TUDARCo) shares that she has been in love with the pullout for five consecutive years due to relevance of the pullout in connection to daily life in Tanzania.
"Life&Style has been a constant in my life. It's not just a pullout; it's a reflection of our society's evolution. The articles on changing trends and societal shifts kept me engaged,” she says.
She continues: “The move to digital is necessary, but I hope the essence of what made Life&Style special remains unbroken."
An environmental enthusiast and CEO of Arena Recycling Industry, Ms Hellena Sailas says: "I valued Life&Style for its thought-provoking articles. It was a conversation starter at social gatherings. The move to digital is a chance for the pullout to reinvent itself. I hope they embrace multimedia elements and foster a sense of virtual community among readers."

She continues: "I'm quite tech-savvy. The Citizen website is also user-friendly as it is very easy to use. I have been reading pullouts from there when I don’t get the hard copy of the paper on time. So, it will not be that hard for me to adapt to reading it online every weekend. I hope it will be a very good experience.”

She adds: "It's great to be able to share my thoughts and opinions on the articles. It’s impossible to do the same if you are reading a hard copy; you may feel like commenting on something but you can’t get that chance but digital space offers that opportunity respectively.”

However, as the sun sets on the final printed edition, Life&Style enters a new era, carrying with it the memories, insights, and stories that have resonated with readers for decades.

As we step into the digital dawn of Life&Style, we are promising a continuation of the legacy in a format that reflects the evolving needs of its diverse audience.

For our print lovers, we have loved and appreciated your unwavering support throughout the years and we are excited to embark on a new journey with you.

Cheers to a digital dawn!