In the historic streets of Vuga, Zanzibar, the echoes of traditional drums, ancient string instruments, and the memories of legendary artists who shaped African identity have found a permanent home following the inauguration of the Educational and Archives Museum of the Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA).
The event went beyond an ordinary opening ceremony, turning into a cultural journey that reminded society of the importance of preserving its roots in a rapidly changing world.
The museum comes at a time when globalization and technology continue to reshape cultural expression across the world. Yet Zanzibar remains a timeless beacon in the Indian Ocean, carrying forward its rich musical heritage, history, and traditions that continue to define its identity.
The Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA), established in 2001, has spent the past 25 years dedicated to preserving, teaching, and promoting the traditional music of Zanzibar and the East African coast.
Over the years, the institution has grown into one of the region’s key pillars in safeguarding indigenous musical traditions that were slowly fading under the pressure of global cultural influence.
Through its training programmes, DCMA has produced generations of musicians, cultural researchers, and music educators who continue to promote taarab music, traditional dances, and indigenous instruments both within Tanzania and on international stages.
The institution has also played a vital role in preserving musical archives, historical instruments, photographs, and records of artists who contributed to shaping Zanzibar’s cultural identity.
DCMA has also strengthened partnerships with international cultural institutions and contributed to major cultural events such as the Sauti za Busara Festival, further positioning Zanzibar as a leading destination for cultural tourism.
For many, DCMA is more than an academy; it is a living archive that connects the past, present, and future through music and cultural expression.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Vuga, the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Dr. Riziki Pembe Juma, called on Tanzanians and Zanzibaris to continue protecting and promoting their cultural heritage for current and future generations.
She emphasized that culture remains a core element of identity, warning that its neglect could lead to the loss of historical and national identity.
She urged young people to take pride in their traditions and avoid excessive imitation of foreign cultures that may weaken local identity.
She further noted that the government recognizes the challenges facing DCMA and remains committed to working with stakeholders to strengthen the growth of arts and cultural development in the country.
The Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Arts Council (BASAZA), Juma Choum Juma, described DCMA as a model institution in the preservation of Zanzibar’s indigenous culture.
He said its achievements should inspire stronger collaboration among cultural stakeholders to ensure that heritage continues to be protected and passed on to future generations, stressing that unity remains essential in achieving cultural goals.
DCMA Director Ms. Halda Mohammed Alkanaan explained that the new museum is not simply a storage space for historical objects but an educational center designed to connect people with the history and evolution of Zanzibar’s music and culture.
She said the museum offers young people and international visitors an opportunity to understand how the arts have shaped the social development of Zanzibar over time.
Inside the museum, visitors experience a rich collection of traditional instruments, historical photographs, and archival materials that narrate the journey of Zanzibar’s musical heritage across different generations.
According to her, culture should not be viewed only as history but as a living part of everyday life that continues to shape identity.
The inauguration also coincided with global celebrations leading to the World Day for Cultural Diversity, a moment that further highlighted Zanzibar’s growing importance as a cultural hub in East Africa and beyond.
The government commended the UNESCO National Commission for organizing a major cultural conference in Zanzibar, describing it as a reflection of the island’s rising role in global cultural dialogue.
The Minister also acknowledged the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi for maintaining peace and stability, which has enabled Zanzibar to host major international cultural events and strengthen its creative economy through tourism and the arts.
As the world continues to evolve, the DCMA museum stands as a living treasure, preserving voices, instruments, and stories that might otherwise fade into silence.
Within its walls in Vuga, history is not only stored but given renewed life, ensuring that Zanzibar’s cultural identity continues to resonate far beyond its shores.
