Like others, I have always been so fascinated by rich cultures that colour our continent.  Such many contemporary authors write about Africa, but instead focus on themselves in Africa. With this anthology I have decided to tread were many have tried.  This collection talks about Tanzania and its people.

As anywhere else – there are two cultural groups – in Tanzania we have the typically Swahili culture on one hand, which is so vibrant, alive and colourful – full of drama and music – these one enjoy the udi perfume, the delicious pilau dishes, listening to taarab, dancing to njenje, and painted on their hands and sometimes feet are henna design; and on the other hand, we have the cosmopolitan culture – almost avant-garde - they will go to Western spas, have dinners and drinks at 5-star establishments, go clubbing at up market clubs, throw brunch parties, enjoy quiz and karaoke nights, have pastas and salads and go to goat races

The Swahili culture, which is the more vibrant and expressive – as far as I am concerned – is unfortunately not that much practiced among the new generation who have lived and studied abroad.  Such many find themselves ‘unconsciously’ losing their roots and sense of belonging.

The anthology, however, will not address this problem.  On the other hand with my collection of short stories I wanted to look at both of these worlds – the Tanzanians of today - their traumas and triumphs as they tackle this journey of life as they live and love, and maybe lie too while at it.  Despite the challenges and traumas, there are many good things in this anthology – the lessons learnt being one of them.

The challenge here was to have each story have only a thousand words – no more or no less.

While problematic issues, everyday gossip, familial tensions are all the core of this collection, relationships and locations are just as important.

The common feature in all the short stories is an enveloping atmosphere of the unsurely, betrayal and doubts we see deep into our souls when taking this journey called life.  Despite the difference in the cultures – these two so-called worlds are what make Tanzania beautiful and rich and make her go round.

Sandra A. Mushi

Dar es Salaam