Resume Muzu

Muzu's Resume

Muzu's paternal grandfather came to Dar es Salaam (Tanganyika) in 1874 and opened a hardware shop in the name of "GM Sulemanji & Sons" which to date is on Samora Avenue. He was born in Zanzibar, thus Stone Town has remained one of his main areas of inspiration and interest. He went to school in Dar es Salaam, and studied Applied Arts in Mumbai, followed by post graduation in Graphic Designing in Basel, Switzerland. His passion for photography has been cultivated since his brothers started Color Centre as a Photographic Studio in 1971.

Muzu is a multimedia artist, who combines his painting and photographic talents to create some fascinating pieces. His eye for detail, texture and atmosphere enchant viewers and develop their sensitivities to the delights of Tanzania. The mystical charm of the historical buildings on the Isles, the day to day life of the Zanzibari people are captured in eloquent lines and somber tones. His paintings give a sensitive and authoritative impression of the buildings, the effects of time, weathering, the hustle and bustle of the market and the tranquility of the Indian Ocean. His sense of perspective and earth colours help to bring out the true picture of the existing Stone Town, which he hopes will be conserved properly.

Muzu held his 1st one man exhibition of oils, water colour, charcoal, pen and ink drawings at the National Museum in Dar in 1992. In 1993 some of his painting were displayed at the People's Palace Zanzibar, for an International Conference of the History and Culture of Zanzibar. Another solo show was held at the newly opened Zanzibar Gallery in 1994. During the first Zanzibar Film Festival 1998 he held another one man exhibition at the Peoples' Palace. Several of his works were displayed at the Goethe Institute, EEC, UN Headquarters, French Cultural Centre, Russian Cultural Centre, Finish Embassy, Belgium Embassy, Sheraton Hotel, Gallery Watatu in Nairobi and the two annual "Art in Tanzania" . He also took part in the First Annual Photographic Exhibition organised by the Italian Ambassador HE Alfredo Mattacota in April 1999.

Recently Muzu exhibited, along with other International Artists, at the Millennium Exhibition at Patisserie Valeria, Knightsbridge and at the Highgate Fine Art Gallery in London.

He has just returned from Washington, DC where he had a solo exhibition of his paintings, and one of his painting captured a third price at the World Bank Art Exhibition.

Three of his paintings were used by the Leonard Cheshire & Ryder Foundation to produce Xmas Cards. His paintings were auctioned at the Nyerere Foundation Fund Raising Dinner, and one for the Tanzania Wildlife Society.

Currently he and his brother Salim run a Desktop Publishing & Printing outfit called the COLOR CENTRE on Samora Avenue. His love for art has prompted him to run a frame shop, as this keeps him in touch with artists and art lovers.