Masaka, Frida set for Charity match to empower girls

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian women’s national team (Twiga Stars) and Brighton & Hove Albion forward Aisha Masaka has teamed up with renowned hip-hop artist Frida Amani to launch a transformative campaign titled Amka Malkia (Wake Up, Queen), aimed at inspiring and empowering girls to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.

The campaign will be marked by a special charity football match scheduled to take place on June 6, 2025, at the KMC Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

This unique event will feature selected players from the Aisha Masaka Foundation (AKM) and the Frida Amani Foundation, forming two teams to face off in a friendly but purposeful game. 

All proceeds from the match will go toward supporting girls’ education initiatives in Tanzania’s Lindi Region.

Masaka said that the goal of Amka Malkia is to build confidence among girls and young women by offering mentorship, promoting inclusion, and providing access to educational and sporting opportunities.

“My dream of becoming a footballer started when I was still in school,” said Masaka. 

“That’s why I believe supporting students—especially girls—is the right place to begin. Many girls have big dreams but lack the support or belief that they can make them come true. I want to change that mindset.”

Masaka noted that she would be joined by several of her teammates, both from Tanzania and abroad, depending on their availability and club commitments. 

Their participation is expected to add star power and attract more attention to the cause.

For her part, Frida echoed the spirit of the campaign, describing Amka Malkia as a heartfelt mission to stand by young girls and motivate them to aim high, even in the face of societal limitations.

“Amka Malkia is about reminding girls and women to believe in themselves and go after what they once only dreamed of,” said Frida.

“On that day, I’ll be playing football—something many people don’t know I’m quite talented at.

I’ll put together my own team and take the field, although I’m sure Aisha Masaka’s team will score a lot of goals,” she joked, flashing a warm smile.

Beyond being a fun and entertaining event, the campaign aims to raise awareness about the challenges girls face in accessing education and opportunities. 

By merging the power of sports and music, the initiative seeks to mobilize communities, celebrate female empowerment, and create a lasting impact on the lives of young Tanzanian girls.

Organizers are optimistic that Amka Malkia will spark a movement that encourages girls across the country to believe in their abilities and take bold steps toward their goals.