By Mtego wa Chui
Email: mtegowachui@gmail.com
YouTube Channel: kwasimutokalondon
Know what?
When Tanzanians meet in unison overseas, it is special.
In your homeland, you tend to take certain things for granted. Greetings in the mother tongue. Checking out neighbours, walking to the market together (mothers and babies) or leisure. You are in sync. One rhythm. Sometimes there is the “awkward terror” of avoiding someone you owe money. Or that chap who always gossips. You know your boundaries.
Effortlessly, at home.
Overseas is a different fish.
You are mostly alone at a location, job; among a bunch of strangers from “other” countries; subsequently, communicating in “other” languages you have adopted.
Meeting fellow country folks is therefore, unique. This is due to being busy with whatever mission that brought you here.
Tanzanians in London meet en masse, on average, once or twice a year. Of course there are occasional mid-range hooks up. For those of a similar religious faith, for example. Or soccer zealots who might drink at such and such a pub …these are, nevertheless mini groups of 5 to 20 maximum.
But en masse?
…we are talking of 200 – plus, heads. Our High Commission (under the soft spoken dignified Hon Mbelwa Kairuki), is the only echelon capable of uniting such numbers at a go. And blessed are Tanzanians. All Africans I have met speak highly of us. So calm. So easy. No fujo; no riots. No smoking. A bit of beer, wine, soft fluids and well; the food?
Always delicious.
Last week I was among artists invited to entertain Muungano Day. It was not exactly on the 26th April but Saturday 3rd of May. Hotel Marriot, near Bond street station or better said, The West End.
You entered and legged through various exhibitors of banks, economic projects, book publishers, paintings ferried from Bongoland. Here were faces you have not seen for 12 months-onwards. That also included Tanzanian Asians, some who moved away in 1967 post-Arusha Declaration. Add other Africans and Britons who have worked, lived in Bongo or married locally.
…Being among several featured artists (that included poets and singers) I stood with my drum and Ilimba (thumb piano) and sang something in Swahili, moments before the dinner.
It was hard work for us performing artists.
The audience were chattering; while the MC kept hushing ; while the best ears and eyes remained (ironically) numerous photographers and a few of the art appreciators who watched and clapped and followed. This is typical Tanzania. It has always been that way.
Only big dancing bands command attention.
In 1980, the late Cameroon musician and poet, Francis Bebey performed Solo at the University of Dar es Salaam – mlimani- and was baffled by a cold, non nonchalant reception.
We are not used to minimalistic art.
The second reason is the theme of this article.
We rarely meet en-masse. Subsequently, we are happy to chat and catch up.
I performed my percussion slot for the cameras then joined the crowd.
That is what it means to know the psyche of where you come from. This is not South Africa, Senegal, France or Brazil where a solo minimalist artist equally commands attention , silence and appreciation.
When I met Mr Bebey in Europe- years after his Mlimani experience- his face seemed bewildered to acknowledge me being Tanzanian. I apologised on behalf of my folks. It will take time for us to catch up.
Bless your eyes.
Ongamshi if you speak Kisambaa.
