ARTS lovers in Dar es Salaam are on Thursday slated to be served with a thrilling showcase, as the city's contemporary art centre, Nafasi Art Space, will host a project termed 'Mziki na Maarifa'.

The center's management said in a statement that this season's 'Mziki na Maarifa' comes with a special highlight in the form of a performance by Tanzanian artist Gloria M.

The singer, who ended third in last year’s contest hosted by the center, will, the management noted, be launching her official music video titled 'Tunatokaje Hapa'.

The project has been presented by the contemporary art center, in cooperation with Tanzania Bora Initiatives, and East Africa Radio, with support from the European Union.

In last year's edition of the contest, the stakeholders had what they termed as an extremely productive 'Mziki na Maarifa' partners’ meeting at the EU Delegation in Tanzania, joined by Nafasi Arts Space and East Africa Radio. 

The meeting was a valuable opportunity to reflect on our four-month collaboration, which has played a significant role in nurturing youth talent and contributing to democracy education in Tanzania. 

The expertise and clearly defined roles of each partner were key to the success of the initiative.

The stakeholders also explored strategies to expand the reach of 'Mziki na Maarifa' in the following year, with a vision to take the project nationwide.

They revealed that they are excited about the opportunities ahead to establish new partnerships and strengthen collaborations that will further amplify the impact of the important initiative.

The 'Mziki na Maarifa' contest is valued as a crucial platform for unearthing new talents in domestic music circles.

The organizers had directed each of the would-be contestants to submit a preliminary recording of a song (demo) of the particular musician to stand a chance of winning a huge prize, rising to prominence, and being part of a bigger project. 

They maintained that it is an opportunity for the young artists to use their talent to bring about positive changes, unity, and better leadership in the community.

Criteria for the would-be contenders, according to the organizers, are the young performers ought to be aged 18-35 and residing in Dar es Salaam.

Awards for the winners include having a professional session at a music studio, unique advice from popular artistes, having an opportunity to perform in one of the major events, cash prizes, and many other awards.

The Nafasi Gallery, moreover, continues to be a space where Nafasi Art Space collaborates with artists from across Dar es Salaam and all over Tanzania.

The centre pointed out that last month, there was a powerful showcase titled 'The Beautiful Life', facilitated by Jovinath Jolmaya.

The showcase brought in new audiences, including guests from Muhimbili, and offered a meaningful and moving experience.

This month, the centre has expressed delight in hosting a new lineup of exhibitions at Nafasi Gallery, including 'The Meaning of Life', 'Live Portrait', and 'End of Residency Showcase'.

It has called on art lovers, who will turn up, to expect fresh stories, powerful visuals, and engaging conversations.

Nafasi Art Space has also said the centre is ready to host any of the art enthusiasts' creative events.

The centre stated it offers venue rental services for artists, creatives, and organizations looking for a unique and inspiring space to bring their visions to life.

An art lover aiming to have a music video shoot, film screening, art workshop, children’s painting session, classroom activity, or a creative brand pop-up can go for the centre's platform.

Over the past year, the centre has hosted vibrant events, including rentals by Bazal, LEGO, and many community-centred activities that brought energy and creativity into the space.