Tanzania Culture

TANZANIA CULTURE

Tanzania, East African country situated just south of the Equator. Tanzania was formed as a sovereign state in 1964 through the union of the theretofore separate states of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. Mainland Tanganyika covers more than 99 percent of the combined territories’ total area. Mafia Island is administered from the mainland, while Zanzibar and Pemba islands have a separate government administration. Dodoma, since 1974 the designated official capital of Tanzania, is centrally located on the mainland. Dar es Salaam is the largest city and port in the country.

Tanzanian culture is a delightful mix of influences with over 120 tribes. Tanzania is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. From the tall graceful Maasai warriors, the ancient ways of the Hadza bushmen, the resourceful agricultural

practices of the Wameru, the artistic talents of the Makonde to the Chaga farmers and traders. Each of the 120 different tribes in Tanzania have their own distinct ways of life but together, they gracefully unite to form Tanzania.

Languages

Over 120 languages are spoken in Tanzania, most of them from the Bantu family. After independence, the government recognized that this represented a problem for national unity, and as a result made the kiswahili language (Swahili) the official language

The majority of the population have accepted and fluently use Kiswahili, thus English is generally well known. Kiswahili on the other hand has grown into an international language that is widely used across multiple boarders. Kiswahili is ranked among the top 10 international languages. Apart from Tanzania, it is now used in Kenya, Uganda, DRC Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to other few countries.

Tanzania has two official languages, Swahili (kiSwahili) and English. Swahili, the national language, while English is the medium of instruction at higher levels of education and is widely used in government offices. Kiswahili is also taught in universities around the world such as; Harvard, Oxf ord, Yale, Cambridge, Colombia, Georgetown, George Washington, Princeton and many more.

Music: The Tanzanian national anthem is titled “ Mungu Ibariki Afrika” (God Bless Africa).

Traditional Tanzanian music includes; Zouk, Ngoma, Taarab and Ndombolo.  Some of these traditional music types have been incorporated into exported music to create unique sounds that are refered to as Mtindo, Sikinde, Modern Taarab, Bongo flavor, African hip hop, Bolingo and Reggae.

Traditional music instruments include ngoma, marimba, coconut shell fiddles, Filimbi (whistles made of wood or bone) and Traditional trumpets made from bull/buffalo horns or ivory.

Traditional Food

Food: Tanzanian cuisine is unique and widely varied. The coastal region cuisine is characterized with spicy foods and use of coconut milk. Such foods are; Pilau (wild rice/ mixed rice), Bagia, Biryani, kabab, Kashata(coconut or groundnuts rolls), Sambusa(Samosa).

As you move inland you will find foods that are less spicy; Wali(rice), Ugali, Chapati(a bread), Kuku choma(grilled chicken), Nyama Choma(grilled meat), Nyama pori(wild/ bush meat that is either sun dried, grilled or cooked), Kiti Moto(grill pork), Mishikaki(skewed meat), Samaki(fish), Ndizi( Plantains/ bananas), Bamia(Okra), Mchicha( greens/ spinach), Njegere(peas), Maharage(Beans), Kisamvu(cassava leaves), kisusio(soup from boiled animal bones and meat or blood) and many dishes prepared the Tanzanian way.

Famous Snacks include; Maandazi (bread-like rolls), Visheti, Kashata (coconut or groundnuts rolls), Kabab, Sambusa (Samosa), Mkate wa kumimina, Vileja, Vitumbua ( rice cakes) ,Bagia, Firigisi (grilled gizzards), Tende (dates), Korosho, karanga ( groundnuts), Daga (fried nut-sized fish), Senene (pan grilled grasshoppers), kumbikumbi (pan grilled …) many others.

Modern Tanzanian Beverages

Native beverages include; Chai ( tea ) which is usually a breakfast beverage taken with Chapati, Maadazi, Mkate (breads), Ugali and/or Mayai (eggs ). Kahawa (coffee) is also another beverage. It is more commonly taken in the evenings, when the sun is cool and people are on the front

porch, playing cards, Bao or just chatting. Many people drink coffee with Kashata (coconut or groundnuts rolls).

Other native beverages are specific to certain regions and tribes. These are; Mnazi/ Tembo (Coastal region), Mbege ( Kilimanjaro region ), Wanzuki, Gongo. There also various beers, wines and spirits produced in Tanzania. These include Kilimanjaro beer, Safarai beer, Serengeti beer,Konyagi, Banana Wine and many more.

Art and Crafts: Tanzanian art encompasses a wide range of styles and media, including woodcarvings, paintings, batiks, and sculptures. Traditional handicrafts such as Tinga Tinga paintings, Maasai beadwork, and Makonde carvings are highly prized.

Cuisine: Tanzanian cuisine is influenced by Indian, Arab, and European flavors. Common ingredients include maize, rice, plantains, cassava, beans, coconut, and a variety of meats and seafood. Dishes like Ugali (a maize porridge), Nyama Choma (grilled meat), and Pilau (spiced rice) are popular.

Religion: Tanzania is religiously diverse, with Christianity, Islam, and indigenous African religions being the main faiths. There's a significant Muslim population along the coast and on the islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, while Christianity is more prevalent in the mainland.

Festivals and Celebrations: Tanzanians celebrate various cultural and religious festivals throughout the year, including Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha for Muslims, Christmas for Christians, and the Maulid Festival commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Traditional ceremonies like weddings, coming-of-age rituals, and harvest festivals are also important cultural events.

Hospitality and Social Etiquette: Tanzanians are known for their warmth and hospitality. It's customary to greet people with a handshake and exchange pleasantries. Respect for elders is highly valued, and it's important to show deference to authority figures.

Overall, Tanzanian culture is a fascinating tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and practices that reflect the country's rich history and diverse population.