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ONGOING PROJECTS
  • Contributor, V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy) – Democracy, Elections and Political Parties in Zanzibar(2000-2020).
  • Researcher, Providing for Peacekeeping Project – International Peace Institute (IPI) (2015-Ongoing).
  • Research in Popular Music and Culture (2019-Ongoing).
  • Research in Politics and Elections in Tanzania (Ongoing).
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Inspirations

Shembeteng and the Rise of Popular creativities in Kenya

blog, General Blogs, Inspirations

By Nicodemus Minde In the recent few weeks a new form of Sheng is emerging. Sheng is Kenyan street slang which has origins in low income urban settings of Nairobi. Dubbed a Shembeteng, this new variety of street slang, has been described by the Kenyan Dictionary as “sheng words that sound like they are encrypted”. The Kenyan Dictionary is a popular platform that decodes Kenyan popular verbal exegeses. It describes itself as a guide to understanding Kenyans. Apart from decoding the verbal exegeses, the platform is a space for reading contemporary...

A Personal Tribute to Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad: A Political Icon and Reconciliation Giant

blog, General Blogs, Inspirations, Politics

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text] I first met Seif Sharif Hamad on 20 September 2015. I was conducting my research on the political reconciliation (Maridhiano) in Zanzibar. His party, the Civic United Front (CUF) was launching its manifesto at Park Hyatt Hotel, Zanzibar. He was wearing a black suit, blue shirt and a red tie. He was well shaven and his grey beard was well trimmed. Mr. Ismail Jussa, a high ranking party official in CUF, who I had known for a while now introduced me to Mr. Seif Sharif Hamad after the...

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Renewal; Healing

Inspirations, Uncategorized

He stares into the sky A gaze of optimism Maybe renewal Possibly revival What more he ponders? Life, he wonders Looking forward he promises A smile he conjures Path to redemption A road to possible perfection What does the path manifest? Even he doesn’t know But he holds on with faith That it is the path to a rebuild Shattered no more Bruised no more Just healing   ...

“2018 post” A new kind of challenge

Inspirations

When the year began, my mind was set out to achieve a number of goals. I however didn’t anticipate the challenge I am experiencing now. I was optimistic about the year that lay ahead. I am always optimistic and look forward to any new year with great hope — just like everyone else. Ten months down the line, I have achieved a number of my setout goals. As a PhD student, I completed my course work in July, 2018. I won a research grant in February. I began part-time teaching...