Zanzibar Magazine’s inaugural edition was brought to life by a remarkable community of writers, photographers, artists, designers and creative minds who share a deep appreciation for Zanzibar.
Through their words, images and ideas, our Volume One contributors captured the island beyond its beaches celebrating its people, heritage, creativity, flavours and evolving identity. Each contributor brought a distinct perspective, helping us create a publication that feels both deeply rooted in Zanzibar and connected to the wider world.
Volume One would not have been possible without their talent, trust and dedication. We are proud to introduce the storytellers behind our first chapter and celebrate the creative community that helped bring Zanzibar Magazine to life.
Meet all our Volume One contributors and discover the stories they helped us tell.
Dani Yannoulis: Remote contributing Contributor
“After eight years of visiting Tanzania, my storytelling has become deeply rooted in people, place, and craft. I’m especially drawn to artisanal work and the human stories and cultural heritage behind it. Equally inspired by both place and people, Zanzibar has been one of my most creatively influential environments. I’m excited to contribute to this magazine and share stories from Zanzibar with a wider audience”.
Scola Frank : Contributing Writer
“I am truly excited to be part of this historic first issue because I believe in the power of storytelling to preserve culture and connect communities. Writing stories like that of Babu Issa (Babu Ubuyu) reminds me how important it is to document the voices and lived experiences that shape our island. This publication is needed right now to celebrate our identity, amplify local narratives, and ensure that our stories are told authentically and proudly”
Manka Menga Mmasi : Poet, Literature and Cultural Contributor.
“…blessings i give you mine,
soul willing divine,
slow living align,
may you feel at home.
the gospel as experience,
may you fill a home,
where there doesn’t exist
a higher honor than existing.”
Jamila Sumra: Contributing Writer
It is a joy to see a dedicated space for high-caliber storytelling emerge in Zanzibar, offering an authentic lens into our island’s unique soul. This publication is essential right now to bridge the gap between our rich heritage and our vibrant future as a world-class destination. I’m proud to be part of a team that is helping visitors connect deeply with the local spirit of the islands
This magazine offers a high-definition look at Zanzibar that goes beyond typical tourist clichés to highlight the island’s intricate cultural details and sophisticated hospitality. By moving “beyond the postcard,” it invites travelers to connect with the local story and experience the archipelago as a world-class destination that leaves a lasting impact.
Emily Crawford: Researcher, writer, photographer.
“I have spent years immersed in Zanzibar’s cultural life, and I can say with conviction that the stories here -the knowledge, the creativity, the wisdom -are in abundance and deserve to be celebrated. I believe this publication is needed precisely because the island’s diversity and richness so often goes untold beyond its shores, beyond the typical postcard images and narratives. My aim as a cultural researcher is to listen carefully, write honestly, and amplify local voices to reach the widest possible audience. I hope my work here invites mutual learning, sparks collaboration, and inspires growth in the right direction – towards right relations with the land, the sea, and each other.”
Veronica Rwechungura: Contributing writer
“ I’m genuinely thrilled to be contributing to the very first issue of Zanzibar Magazine. This publication feels especially timely, as it offers a beautiful platform for sharing genuine stories, talents, and creativity straight from our island”
Sabrina Kombo ” Zoey”: Contributing writer
I’m excited to be part of this magazine because it offers a space to tell Zanzibar’s stories in a way that feels both personal and rooted in the island’s rich culture. There’s so much depth here in the food, the people, and the everyday experiences, that often goes beyond what visitors see at first glance. This publication feels especially needed right now, as it creates room for more authentic, local voices to shape how Zanzibar is experienced and understood. I’m grateful to contribute to a platform that celebrates the island with honesty, curiosity, and care.