To our artists, promote Tanzania, not just trends

DAR ES SALAAM: WE all know that Tanzania is blessed with some of the most jaw-dropping tourist sites in the world. From the breathtaking beauty of Serengeti’s endless plains to the dazzling white sands of Zanzibar’s beaches, we have it all.

Yet, for some reason, many of us have been too busy looking for the next viral trend on social media to take the time to appreciate our own backyard.

But here is where you come in: artists, creators and influencers, it is time to step up and use your incredible talents to highlight what makes Tanzania unique and worthy of our pride.

Your role is taking pride in our country and leading the way in showing off the gems scattered across this beautiful land.

Or, put in another way, you, local artists, have the perfect opportunity to lead this charge.

Your work is not just about creating art-it is about telling stories, invoking pride and inspiring action. Why not take your platform and shine a light on our national treasures? Why not use your creative skills to encourage and mobilise fellow Tanzanians to step out of their homes, hop in their cars (or boda-bodas) and discover the places they have never visited before?

Imagine if your music, paintings, poetry, or social media posts could spark a wave of domestic tourism. If every Tanzanian artist were to dedicate even a fraction of their craft to promoting our local wonders, we would have a nation of explorers with pride in our country’s history, wildlife and culture.

But here is the catch-while you are pushing the boundaries of creativity, let us not forget the values that tie us together as Tanzanians.

As much as you want to capture attention and create something viral, let us remember that it is not all about shock value.

Again, some of the trending language on social media might earn you a quick laugh, but does it reflect the true spirit of Tanzania?

Does it speak to our values, our culture and our heritage? There is no need to sacrifice quality, integrity, or respect for the sake of a cheap laugh or a fleeting moment of attention.

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Use your voice and platform wisely-create art that resonates with people, that stirs their patriotism and that encourages them to respect our culture and values. After all, you are not just influencers; you are cultural ambassadors.

Your words, your art, your music-they all carry weight. Why not make sure that weight is positive, uplifting and truly reflective of who we are as a nation?

Imagine a rap song that speaks about Mount Kilimanjaro’s majesty instead of chasing cheap fame, or a video that showcases the beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater instead of falling into the trap of crude humour.

Picture a powerful painting that brings to life the heartbeat of Dar es Salaam or a poem that celebrates our vibrant traditions.

That is how you can make a real impact. So, let us come together and focus on what really matters.

Promote those local tourist sites, promote our culture and use your creative gifts to make Tanzania a place we are all proud to explore.

Let us not wait for the next foreign tourist to arrive.

Let us lead the way as local tourists-and who better to help us get there than you, our local artists? We are counting on you. The tourists are coming… and they do not all need to be from abroad!