I lived in Stone Town, Zanzibar, between 2008-2018. During this period, I worked with a wide range of non-governmental organizations and arts and cultural groups as an editor, writer and consultant.
The identity matrix: Platform regulation of online threats to expression in Africa
Conflicts over identity online in Africa often turn dangerous, with rising attacks on language, culture, gender, religion, and ethnicity—especially during politically charged periods. As managing editor, I worked with seven journalists across Africa to research and publish analytical reports on Algeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan, Tunisia, and Uganda. The series that examined identity-driven hate speech disrupting online discourse, expression, and information rights; digital campaigns targeting media, journalists, protesters, and activists; and tech companies’ policies and responses to harmful content.
Writing toward freedom: Politics and digital rights in Africa
Across Africa, governments and political actors often restrict online expression and access to information during major political events. As managing editor, I worked with 14 journalists across Africa to research and publish 14 analyses on such interferences, covering tactics like online mis/disinformation, internet shutdowns, and information restrictions during elections and protests.
Digital rights under lockdown
During the COVID-19 pandemic, African governments imposed states of emergency, curfews, and lockdowns, but some also used the crisis to restrict digital rights, silence dissent, and manipulate narratives to protect their reputations. As managing editor, I directed the Digital Rights Under Lockdown project, engaging nine reporters from Algeria, Tunisia, Nigeria, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Ethiopia to document these impacts.
SAUTI ZA BUSARA, Zanzibar, Tanzania, 2013-2017
Moderator for the Movers & Shakers Dialogue & Panel, a 3-day series of dialogues that explored the current state of music and censorship in Africa. Worked with Rebecca Corey and DJ Yusuf to engage a variety artists, musicians, producers, and cultural advocates in difficult conversations regarding freedom of speech & power. These conversations took place during the Sauti za Busara Music Festival, one of the best and most loved cultural festivals in East Africa, 2013, 2015, and 2017. Also in 2017, I researched and wrote the Sauti za Busara 2017 Narrative Report (29 pages). |
BOSTON UNIVERSITY STUDY ABROAD OFFICE, Zanzibar, Tanzania, 2013-2014
Led intensive cultural orientations for students from Boston University's study abroad program in Zanzibar. Sessions consisted of a walking tour as well as dialogues on a variety of issues addressed to prepare students for living in Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania. On-going one-to-one sessions as well as group meetings helped students manage their personal and academic lives while navigating a culture & society different from their own. Topics include identity, sexuality, faith, communication, homesickness, Islam, home-stays, health & safety. Served as on-call liaison and cultural guide throughout, as well as organizer of cultural/arts activities and volunteer placements as requested. Zanzibar adviser to the BU study abroad staff. 
INTERNATIONAL THEATER LITERACY PROJECT
Arusha, Tanzania, 2013 Monitoring & evaluation consultant for a theater literacy project site in Arusha, Tanzania. Qualitative research on a 7-year arts literacy initiative to improve literacy skills through the performing arts. To evaluate the program to date, I conducted interviews in Swahili with executive leadership in schools and communities, organized and led focus groups for ITLP alumni, scheduled and visited potential new sites, and wrote a report on findings for the Executive Director. |
TWAWEZA | SOMA | MANENO EXPRESS
Dar es Salaam, 2014
A collaboration between Twaweza Tanzania and Soma Book Cafe to host a one-day workshop on arts & social change with guest speaker Billy Kahora, editor of Kwani?, from Nairobi, Kenya. Facilitated a day-long dialogue and workshop with approximately 30 artists, writers, poets, and cultural workers in Dar es Salaam, exploring the role that artists play in social change. The day included creative writing exercises, small group dialogue, large-group debate, a talk by Billy Kahora, a performance by Vitali Maembe, and plenty of opportunity for informal networking. A major outcome of this meeting is the digital creative expression map featuring organizations & initiatives that promote creative text & image projects in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and East Africa.
Dar es Salaam, 2014
A collaboration between Twaweza Tanzania and Soma Book Cafe to host a one-day workshop on arts & social change with guest speaker Billy Kahora, editor of Kwani?, from Nairobi, Kenya. Facilitated a day-long dialogue and workshop with approximately 30 artists, writers, poets, and cultural workers in Dar es Salaam, exploring the role that artists play in social change. The day included creative writing exercises, small group dialogue, large-group debate, a talk by Billy Kahora, a performance by Vitali Maembe, and plenty of opportunity for informal networking. A major outcome of this meeting is the digital creative expression map featuring organizations & initiatives that promote creative text & image projects in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and East Africa.
DANISH CENTER FOR CULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT / CKU, Dar es Salaam, 2014
Conducted an in-depth analysis of Tanzania’s arts and culture sector to inform DCCD’s 2014–2016 cultural program. Applied Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) guidelines to assess key social, cultural, and political issues—focusing on freedom of expression, cultural diversity, and access to the arts for youth, women/girls, and marginalized groups. Researched current trends, policies, and government plans; interviewed key stakeholders; and identified funding gaps and donor opportunities. Co-authored the final 70-page report (completed in 15 working days), with Espen Sorensen contributing the chapter on music and policy recommendations.
Conducted an in-depth analysis of Tanzania’s arts and culture sector to inform DCCD’s 2014–2016 cultural program. Applied Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) guidelines to assess key social, cultural, and political issues—focusing on freedom of expression, cultural diversity, and access to the arts for youth, women/girls, and marginalized groups. Researched current trends, policies, and government plans; interviewed key stakeholders; and identified funding gaps and donor opportunities. Co-authored the final 70-page report (completed in 15 working days), with Espen Sorensen contributing the chapter on music and policy recommendations.