My Brother’s keeper

I am honoured and humbled to depict the perseverance and spirit of a few among Tanzania’s more than 120 ethnic groups, particularly those from Iringa—a large region nestled in the Southern Highlands where my Hehe tribe is from, including Chimala, a small town near Iringa city where my mother’s family originates. The traditions and cultural significance of these peoples are continually challenged by issues such as land rights, modernization, and climate change.

Each canvas is created on traditional kitenge fabric, and my aim is to imbue each painting with the unique personality and energy of its subject. Beneath the layers of paint lie deeply personal memories—reflections of my own experiences with my younger brother. These memories are rooted in a bond of pure love that was ultimately altered by the loss of innocence and trust.