When Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Prof. Riziki Shemdoe, stepped onto the stage to play traditional drums and sing alongside the Tanzania One Theatre (TOT) Band, it was more than an entertaining moment—it was a public endorsement of the role of arts and talent in national development.
The performance, during the reception of the Uhuru Torch in Lushoto on June 26, attracted enthusiastic applause from residents, but it also highlighted a growing government message that talent should be nurtured as a pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and cultural preservation.
As the ministry responsible for overseeing sports, arts and co-curricular activities in primary and secondary schools, the Prime Minister's Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) has been encouraging young people to develop their abilities through school competitions such as UMITASHUMTA and UMISSETA.
Prof. Shemdoe's participation reinforced that message by demonstrating that artistic talent is an asset that deserves continuous development, regardless of one's profession or position in society.
For decades, UMITASHUMTA and UMISSETA have served as platforms for identifying and nurturing young talent in music, traditional dance, drama and other performing arts. Many of Tanzania's successful artists began their journeys in these school competitions before turning their talents into professional careers.
Speaking through his performance, Prof. Shemdoe encouraged young Tanzanians to value their natural abilities and invest in refining them.
"Believe in your talents, nurture them with discipline and hard work. Your talent can become a gateway to employment, entrepreneurship and an opportunity to promote Tanzania's rich cultural heritage," he said.
His remarks come at a time when the government is placing greater emphasis on the creative economy as an emerging source of jobs and income, particularly for young people.
He says expanding opportunities in sports and the creative arts through schools is expected to strengthen the country's talent pipeline while creating future musicians, actors, athletes and cultural ambassadors capable of competing on regional and global stages.
For many young participants in UMITASHUMTA and UMISSETA, the minister's appearance on stage delivered a simple but powerful message: talent is not merely for entertainment—it is a valuable resource that, when nurtured, can build careers, create jobs and contribute to Tanzania's economic and cultural development.
