Tanzanian drama ‘Nazi Bubu’ earns spot in Dakar Festival

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s television industry is making waves on the international stage with the nomination of a comedy-drama for the Dakar International Drama Festival in Senegal.

Nazi Bubu is slated to compete in the “Best Short Drama” category, according to the film producer Khatibu Madudu.

The 31-episode drama series will face off against nine other top-tier dramas from across Africa, including productions from Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya.

The festival set to unfold from October 8 to 12, will make Nazi Bubu one of the first local productions to earn a nomination in such event.

The series is aired on Sinema Zetu channel via Azam Media and has since captured the hearts of Tanzanian viewers with its relatable plot and endearing characters.

Mr Madudu who is the mastermind behind the drama, said the nomination is not only recognition but also a game-changer for Tanzanian dramas.

"There hasn’t been a festival that focused exclusively on series like this before. It’s been great to see how, over the past couple of years, series have taken center stage," Mr Madudu told The Citizen.

The festival's selection process is competitive, with only two categories up for grabs: Best Short Drama in Africa’ and Best Long Drama in Africa.

With a limited number of slots available, the selection process is rigorous, and the competition from other African countries is fierce.

"When the call for submissions went out, we entered our work, and after the review process, we made it to the final list. This is a huge step for Tanzania," Mr Madudu said, adding that he’s proud to see Nazi Bubu holding its ground among dramas from heavy-hitters like Nigeria and South Africa.

Mr Madudu believes that the nomination signals a new era for Tanzanian filmmakers, encouraging them to push boundaries and aim for the global stage.

"We need to tell stories that speak to everyone, not just locally but internationally," he emphasized, stressing the need for Tanzanian filmmakers to hone their craft and make content that resonates beyond borders.

Dakar’s International Drama Festival also provides opportunity for networking, learning and sharing ideas with other creatives from across Africa.

Workshops, pitch sessions, and screenings will all be part of the experience, giving attendees the chance to exchange ideas and potentially collaborate on future projects.

The Nazi Bubu series centers on Malika, a university graduate who returns home filled with dreams of the future, only to find that her family has already mapped out her destiny.

Faced with two choices—run the family restaurant or get married—Malika opts for the former, setting off a series of hilarious and heartfelt events.

It’s a story about defying expectations, pursuing one’s own path, and finding joy even in the most unexpected places.

With a cast that includes household names like Meena Ally, Kamshange, Mama Kimbo, Masantura and Ringo, Nazi Bubu weaves humor with life lessons, making it a hit among Tanzanian audiences.

For Mr Madudu and the team behind it, the festival is not just about competition but about putting Tanzanian stories in front of new audiences, giving the hopes for the industry to expand its horizons and make its mark in the world.