WONDAR LAB I
PERFORMANCES, VIDEOS & SOCIAL MEDIA
JANUARY - MARCH 2024
AT DAR ES SALAAM
THE FACILITATORS
CHOREOGRAHER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR - TANZANIA
MOVEMENT STUDIES ( JAN. 30th, FEB. 6TH, FEB. 13TH, OF 2024)
The sessions combine artistic discussions and movement practices, while questioning and challenging our perspectives on what we create as artists. Why do we create? What is the purpose behind it?
Tadhi Alawi is a Tanzanian dancer and choreographer, serving as the creative director of Nantea Dance Company and co-managing director of Contemporary Dance Night and the Tanzanian outreach project Nje Ndani. He is also a yoga teacher, fitness expert for N*Gen TV Africa, and a founding member of the Umoja Artists in Residency program. In 2022, he was awarded a grant from the Swiss Sudkulturfonds to support his artistic practice. Tadhi gained recognition for his BODY VS MOUTH and STAY AT HOME dance films, which were featured on BBC News. His latest production, A MOMENT – WAKATI, has been successfully performed at festivals in Africa and Europe, and he recently premiered his solo, DAR ES SALAAM, in Tanzania.
PHOTOGRAPHER & FILMAKER - TANZANIA
FACES UNVEILED ( FEB. 6th, FEB. 8th, FEB. 20th, FEB. 22ND OF 2024)
The sessions delved into the art of storytelling through portraiture. Participants will learn to create portraits by focusing on encounters, memories, and landscapes. They will then build a story or narrative using these elements.
Neema Ngelime is a documentary photographer and filmmaker focused on capturing the everyday through a feminist and experimental lens. Her films have appeared in international festivals, including the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen, IDFA, and the New York African Film Festival. A member of the African Photojournalism Database, she is also an alumnus of DocNomads and part of Berlinale Talents 2023. Neema’s work has been commissioned by Bloomberg and the New York Times T Brand Studio, and exhibited at venues like the Museum of African Art in Serbia. She is currently developing her next film with support from the DW Akademie Film Development Grant.
FILM AND TV PRODUCER - TANZANIA
AUTHENTIC STORIES & SOCIAL MEDIA ( FEB. 8TH, FEB. 22ND, OF 2024)
Unfolding one’s own narrative of content creation, showcasing the profound influence of digital storytelling. Exploring the concept of storytelling across various artistic forms such as dance, performance, and visual arts – emphasising the importance of authenticity in artistic expression.
Wilson Nkya is an African-inspired film and TV producer passionate about bringing the continent’s rich stories to life through digital storytelling. A graduate of Multichoice Talent Factory in 2019, he refined his skills at OnaStories Ltd, specializing in virtual and augmented reality. As a freelance producer and founder of 4 Creations Entertainment, he has led award-winning productions like FRIDA (2021), MVAMIZI (2022), and THE MIDNIGHT BRIDE (2023). Wilson has collaborated with major companies and produced content for global organizations such as USAID, UNESCO, and The World Bank. He also hosts the children’s animation show Nuzo & Namia for Ubongo Learning.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY ARTIST - TANZANIA & KENYA
SPACES IN FRAME ( JAN. 30th, FEB. 1st, FEB. 20Th, OF 2024)
The series explored performance and its relationship to space, both physical and theoretical. The content focuses on stage design, positioning theories, and digital framing, drawing from Arafa’s own practice as well as relevant precedents in their work.
Arafa C. Hamadi is a multidisciplinary artist from Tanzania and Kenya, creating both physical and digital work that explores queerness and community connection through immersive spaces. Their art has been featured in exhibitions across Mozambique, Tanzania, the USA, and online. In 2023, their solo exhibition, [BODY], was showcased in Dar-es-Salaam and Nairobi. Arafa is currently developing a 3D/VR project, LETU: Frankie’s Story, supported by Electric South, and organizing a community-centered event called ALTÆR with Aichieli Temu. They are also part of the 2023 Building Beyond Mentorship by the Prince Claus Fund and Creative Industries Fund NL.
DANCE ARTIST, CHOREOGRAPHER & SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR - TANZANIA
NAVIGATING THE INTERNATIONAL PERFOMING ARTS SCENE ( FEB. 1ST, FEB. 13th,, OF 2024)
This session was for artists interested in understanding the international arts scene, focusing on representation and global opportunities. Participants will explore strategies for navigating international markets, networking, and building sustainable careers, with discussions on foreign support in Tanzanian arts, local business models, and the impact of international recognition.
Samwel Japhet, a Tanzanian dance artist, choreographer, and social entrepreneur, uses dance as a form of storytelling to reflect on social issues and human experiences, fostering spaces for reflection and discussion. His work blends choreography with visual storytelling, text, and music to address contemporary complexities. A 2021 Seed Award Recipient from the Prince Claus Fund, he co-manages UMOJA, an arts residency connecting East African and European artists. A MUDA Africa Dance School graduate, he co-founded Nantea Dance Company, which offers community projects and performances, aiming to advance Tanzania’s contemporary dance scene and inspire youth as agents of social change.
PERFORMING ARTIST & DIRECTOR - MOZAMBIQUE
CROSSING ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES ( FEB. 14th TO 16TH, 2024)
The workshop was about exploring how different artistic fields can intersect and collaborate to address social injustices and advocate for human rights. It will foster reflection, dialogue, and practical experimentation among participants from various artistic disciplines.
Yuck Miranda is a versatile performing artist whose work spans theatre, music, movement, and dance. More than just a theatre actor, he embraces a broader identity as an arts professional, using his body as a medium to advocate for children, youth, and human rights.. He has worked with major theatre companies in Mozambique and participated in international projects, including a residency at Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris for his project “The Non-Identified Identities,” exploring marginalized narratives globally. A regular at ASSITEJ International Congresses, Yuck’s work also addresses themes of otherness and marginalization in sub-Saharan Africa. Through body-based performance and documentary work, he fosters dialogue and challenges societal norms.
PUBLISHER & CREATIVE WRITER - TANZANIA
QUESTIONING SOCIAL CHANGE ( FEB. 21ST, 2024)
This session explored the concept of social change within artistic practices through the lens of intersectional feminism and a Pan-African perspective. At the heart of the discussion is the Swahili phrase “maneno huumba,” which emphasizes the transformative power of words in shaping reality. The workshop will examine the politics behind artistic practice and its role in social change, recognizing that these concepts are never neutral.
Demere Kitunga is a publisher, creative writer, editor and creative translator; curator of storytelling spaces, events and knowledge production processes; feminist thinker, storytelling interlocutor, mentor and creative writing facilitator. She co-founded E&D Editorial Services, including Readership for Learning and Development, home to Soma Book Café. Through her work, she promotes literacy, supports diverse voices, and fosters creative initiatives.
OTHER ENCOUNTERS
SINGER & SONGWRITER - LA RÉNUNION
FEB. 7th, 2024
Sibu Manaï is a composer, songwriter, and performer from La Réunion. She merges tradition and modernity in her creations, based on English and Creole lyrics—the two languages connecting her island to the rest of the world. Her name was given to her by a tribe in Indonesia (the Flower Men tribe) and means “Cherish the Flower.” Sibu has chosen to embody this name and conveys its message through an exquisite fusion of pop and soul.
FILMMAKER & PRODUCER - TANZANIA
MARCH. 12th, 2024
Born in Dar es Salaam with roots in Zanzibar, Amil Shivji is a filmmaker whose work often draws inspiration from the island. Before venturing into film, he worked as a journalist and radio host. He is the founder of Kijiweni Productions and Kijiweni Cinema. Shivji’s career began with the short films Shoeshine (2013) and Samaki Mchangani (2014), both featured at international festivals, including the Rotterdam International Film Festival and FESPACO. His award-winning feature debut, T-Junction (2017), opened the Zanzibar International Film Festival. In 2021, he released Vuta N’Kuvute, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
VIDEO PRODUCTIONS
9 LAB I VIDEO PRODUCTIONS
By GYNAH & SELAM JORDAN
Four humans embark on a transformative journey, shedding old beliefs and forging deep bonds to become beacons of true healing and fulfillment.
Gynah (Regina Kihwele) is a 25-year-old multidisciplinary Tanzanian artist—singer-songwriter, award-winning actress, fashion icon, activist, filmmaker, and mental health advocate—dedicated to touching lives and amplifying voices through her art.
Selam Jordan is a multicultural artist who uses circus, dance, theatre, and music to address social issues and inspire positive change for young people.
By MWAMBA NYANDA
The poem ‘ANYWAY,’ by Kent Keith, offers hope for humanity and encourages us to focus on the present moment in order to manifest the world we want to see.
Mwamba Nyanda is a creative director who uses music, dance, and filmmaking as tools for positive change and liberation within communities. He participated in the remote program “75 Shots Pocket Cinema,” which teaches the basics of filmmaking using a smartphone.
By RABIA NGWACHE
This is a project that aims to give an encouraging message to young people to take opportunities when they arise without hesitation due to time plans.
Rabia Mohammed Ngwache is a performing artist who graduated from MUDA AFRICA in 2022 and has since collaborated on several projects, including Bahati and Ditoro, performed at the Kigali Triennial.
By SAYUNI KIHONGOLE & FREDRICK SANGA
A driven girl on her path to success is unexpectedly moved to help a young boy in need, balancing her ambitions with a newfound desire to support him.
Sayuni Kihongole is an actress who began her stage journey with Shangilia Theatre Africa, performing literature adaptations and using her art to drive social change.
Frederick Sanga, aka Baby Boy, is a versatile dancer and performing artist based in Dar es Salaam, who graduated from MuDa Africa’s three-year dance program in 2022 and has collaborated with various choreographers locally and internationally.
By AMINA LUKANZA
Capturing the essence of time through vivid imagery, The film invites viewers on a reflective journey where the passage of time is portrayed through fleeting moments and expressions of thought.
Amina Lukanza, a Tanzanian storyteller and Emmy-winning scriptwriter, specializes in impactful communication campaigns, behavior-change storytelling, and is the founder of Toto Janjaz, an initiative enriching children’s educational and recreational experiences.
By FADHILI META
A captivating performance video uses puppetry as a metaphor for a young man’s internal battle between societal pressures and his emerging identity, as he breaks free to embrace his true self.
Fadhili Meta is a multifaceted artist—actor, playwright, director, puppeteer, and filmmaker—who uses his craft to explore identity, self-discovery, and social change, with acclaimed works like Zawadi ya Mjomba and Moyo Na Akili inspiring audiences through powerful storytelling.
By TIDAH ANTONY
Tidah is determined to educate her community about the transformative power of dance, shattering stereotypes and empowering young girls to fearlessly pursue their passions.
Tidah Antony, also known as Tidahdancer, is a Tanzanian artist with four years of experience in performing arts, specializing in KRUMP and various dance styles, and she leads her own projects and dance classes while volunteering to teach children with disabilities.
By JERUSA KITOTO
“Ndoto za Usawa” captures Jerusa David Kitoto’s pursuit of gender equality and social justice, using dance as a silent protest to inspire resilience and hope.
Jerusa David Kitoto, a passionate advocate for human rights and gender equality, founded the Sauti ya Mtoto Foundation in 2017 and drove positive change through initiatives like “Nishike Mkono” and “She Rise,” while also collaborating internationally and serving as Secretary of the Commission at SMAUJATA.
By MICHAEL JAMES & KEGHOCHA DANIEL
Navigating the Abyss, Music as Salvation.
Michal James aka Kidy, a versatile artist and co-founder of the Art Warriors Group with a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Dar es Salaam, is a poet, director, and prolific writer whose acclaimed productions like “ZAMA” and “Mjomba” highlight his innovative storytelling and advocacy for art’s role in social change.
Keghocha Daniel, a dedicated professional from Tanzania with two years of experience in community development, focuses on empowering youth, especially women and gender minorities, and currently serves as the Executive Director of Tanzania Female and Sports and Entertainment, fostering the growth and self-empowerment of young women and individuals with diverse gender identities.