The 36th Bienal de São Paulo continues to connect cultures and narratives across the globe with its third Invocation, titled Mawali–Taqsim: Improvisation as a Space and Technology of Humanity. Scheduled for February 11–13, 2025, in Zanzibar, this event shines a spotlight on Taarab, the island’s iconic musical genre. Hosted at the Maru Maru and Golden Tulip hotels, and in partnership with the Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA), the Invocation aims to explore the profound role of improvisation in fostering human interconnectedness and adaptability.

A Celebration of Zanzibar’s Cultural Richness

Taarab music, a hallmark of Zanzibar’s cultural hybridity, blends African, Arabic, Asian, and European influences into a genre rich in poetic storytelling and spontaneity. It is both a mirror of the island’s historical intersections and a medium for deeply personal expression. The Invocation will highlight Taarab’s improvisational essence, offering a lens to explore humanity’s shared heritage through its intricate melodies, lyrics, and rhythms.

Swahili, the lingua franca of Zanzibar, plays a pivotal role in Taarab’s lyrical narrative, weaving together diverse cultural elements into a harmonious “grammar” of human experience. The event draws inspiration from Senegalese filmmaker Djibril Diop Mambéty’s notion of art as “my grandmother’s grammar,” emphasizing how traditions like Taarab carry and adapt cultural memory across generations.

The Bienal’s Global Theme and Curatorial Vision

The Zanzibar Invocation is part of the 36th Bienal de São Paulo’s broader theme, Not All Travellers Walk Roads – Of Humanity as Practice. This concept, inspired by Afrobrazilian poet Conceição Evaristo’s poem Da calma e do silêncio(Of Calm and Silence), seeks to examine humanity through shared histories and cultural practices.

Curated by Prof. Dr. Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, alongside Alya Sebti, Anna Roberta Goetz, Thiago de Paula Souza, and Keyna Eleison, the Bienal underscores humanity as an evolving practice deeply rooted in artistic expression, local traditions, and global interconnectedness.

Zanzibar Invocation Program Highlights

Over three days, the Invocation will feature lectures, performances, and interactive sessions with prominent figures in Taarab music and Zanzibar’s cultural scene. Key highlights include:

• February 11, 2025:
  • A performance by Siti Muharam, a celebrated Taarab artist and great-granddaughter of the legendary Siti binti Saad.
• February 12, 2025:
  • A lecture by Thabit Omar Kiringe on transcribing traditional Taarab music.
  • Performances by the DCMA Young Stars band, showcasing emerging talent.
• February 13, 2025:
  • A lecture by Aisha Bakary, Zanzibar’s trailblazing female DJ, on the intersection of music and identity.
  • A performance by Uwaridi Female Band, an all-women ensemble redefining Zanzibar’s musical traditions.

Prayer breaks interspersed throughout the program reflect the cultural and spiritual rhythms of Zanzibar, creating a holistic experience that integrates art, history, and faith.

About the Invocations

The Invocations serve as a prelude to the 36th Bienal, with events held in four cities—Marrakech, Guadeloupe, Zanzibar, and Tokyo. Each location offers a unique cultural perspective on the Bienal’s theme, contextualizing humanity as a practice through live performances, local traditions, and curated publications.

Spotlighting Zanzibar’s Cultural Advocates

The Zanzibar Invocation will bring together a diverse lineup of artists, curators, and cultural figures, including:

• Aisha Bakary (Hijab DJ): A pioneer challenging gender norms in Zanzibar’s music scene.
• Siti Muharam: A leading voice in Taarab, blending traditional roots with contemporary innovation.
• Mohamed Ilyas: A poet and Taarab musician celebrated for his fusion of the traditional and modern.
• Uwaridi Female Band: Advocates for women’s empowerment in Zanzibar’s music industry.

A Cultural Journey Through Improvisation

The Zanzibar Invocation promises to be a profound exploration of how improvisation in Taarab reflects humanity’s adaptability and creativity. It invites attendees to delve into the island’s unique cultural narrative while contributing to the broader conversation on humanity’s interconnectedness.

For further details, visit the official website of Fundação Bienal de São Paulo.