Tanzania’s shift to embrace multifaceted talents

In the bustling streets of Tanzania, amidst the fervour surrounding soccer, there lies a wealth of untapped talent waiting to be discovered and nurtured in other fields. From music and arts to entrepreneurship and innovation, Tanzania's potential extends far beyond the confines of the soccer field.

Recognising this, questions arise as to how Tanzania can pivot its support to encompass a variety of talents, marking a significant departure from its longstanding emphasis on the sport.

The recent triumph of Fadhili Ramadhani and Ibrahim Jobu, popularly known as the Ramadhani Brothers, in the American Got Talent (AGT) Fantasy League serves as a poignant reminder of the untapped potential in diverse fields beyond soccer.

"My brothers. Our country is far from reaching anywhere; don't get me wrong. I was at the gym the other day here in Houston, Texas, USA. Some TV channels were showing them and talking about them. I said, Why isn't there any TV or the government supporting these people at all, or big companies giving them advertising jobs?” shares one fan on their official Instagram page.

Their victory not only showcases Tanzania's talent on the international stage but also underscores the need for a more inclusive approach to talent development in the country.

“Finally, we are the world champions. 10 talent finals, 10 finals around the world—we are proud to announce we have finally won. Hundreds of hours of rehearsal with our coach and manager Winston Ruddle every single minute have paid off,” shared the acrobatic duo after the win.

For years, soccer has monopolised Tanzania's talent landscape, receiving the lion's share of attention and resources. However, the success of the Ramadhani Brothers has ignited calls for diversifying investment and resources to support talents across various fields.

This shift in perspective comes at a crucial time, as Tanzania has encountered instances where delays in visa processing have hindered individuals representing the nation on the global stage.

During an interview with USA Today, the Ramadhani Brothers revealed that they had previously faced challenges obtaining visas for their AGT Season 17 audition.

Jobu, one of the brothers, was unable to secure his travel visa in time for the competition.

Despite these hurdles, last year, following their notable appearance on AGT, President Samia Suluh took a moment to congratulate the brothers for effectively showcasing and representing the country on the international stage.

In 2021, Miss Tanzania Juliana Rugumisa experienced visa delays, sparking concerns about her participation in the Miss World competition.

Although the issue was eventually resolved, it prompted questions about the efficiency of Visa processes.

The following year, in 2022, Diamond Platnumz became the manager and pressed for the National Arts Council (Baraza la Sanaa la Taifa, BASATA) to assist music artistes in obtaining visas to the US for African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMAs).

Babu Tale shared, “Recognising the importance of representing our country and my presence in the music industry, I am committed to securing seven tickets for the artistes selected to compete for these awards. I also request Basata to assist in obtaining VISAs for the selected artists, as they all have invitation letters.”

On his part, Bernard Alex Malima, best known as Ben Breaker, a Tanzanian international model and choreographer, emphasises the need for efficiency in BASATA's approval process for artistes intending to travel abroad.

He suggests that BASATA should apply the same level of diligence used in identifying errors in artistic works to prioritise other artistes, thereby ensuring the country gains international recognition.

Malima advises BASATA to establish a streamlined process that simplifies the acquisition of permits, including visas, national flags, and other related matters, for artistes.

To support talents beyond soccer, stakeholders from the sector suggest that Tanzania take a proactive measure to nurture creativity and innovation across different sectors.

“One of the first steps is diversifying investment and resources, allocating funding and support to areas such as music, arts, and technology,” says Nicklass Mmbaga, a music video director, famously known as Director NiCKLASS.

Further explains that by investing in talent development programmes, scholarships, and infrastructure, Tanzania will eventually create a conducive environment for emerging talents to thrive.

“Preserving Tanzania's rich cultural heritage is also paramount in supporting talents beyond soccer. Cultural festivals, exhibitions, and events provide platforms for artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents while celebrating Tanzania's diverse traditions and artistic expressions,” adds Director NiCKLASS.

He details that by promoting and preserving cultural wealth, the country will help nurture a vibrant ecosystem where talents can flourish.

In a similar vein, Deporis Mtey, set designer, says that, on top of what Director NiCKLASS suggests, education and training play a crucial role in nurturing talents across different fields.

He says, “The government should establish specialised schools, academies, and training programmes tailored to specific industries, providing aspiring talents with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”

According to Mtey, these specialised schools and academies could go hand in hand with mentorship opportunities and “collaboration platforms to further empower talents to turn their creative ideas into successful ventures.”

Others suggest artists to leveraging social media, streaming services, and e-commerce platforms to promote and distribute their creative works, amplifying their voices on a global scale.

While other stakeholders note that government support and policies are vital in fostering a conducive environment for talent development.

“The government should implement policies that incentivize investment in diverse fields, provide tax incentives for creative industries, and support initiatives aimed at nurturing emerging talents.,” shares Video Vixen, Rahma Ahmed alias Pink.

By prioritising talent development on a national level, Tanzania aims to unlock its full creative potential and position itself as a hub for innovation and creativity in Africa and beyond.

The country's journey towards supporting talents beyond soccer requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses investment, promotion, education, collaboration, and policy support.

With the right strategies and commitment, Tanzania has the potential to become a beacon of creativity and talent, setting an example for the rest of Africa and the world.