Mariam Mohammed Hamdani

Country	Zanzibar
Genre	Taarab

Mariam Mohammed Hamdani is a distinguished Zanzibari journalist, activist, and cultural leader renowned for her efforts in preserving and revolutionizing East African musical heritage. She is the founder and leader of the Tausi Taarab Orchestra, the first all-female taarab ensemble in Zanzibar, which she established in 2009 to challenge the male-dominated nature of the genre and provide a platform for women instrumentalists. Beyond her musical contributions, Hamdani has held significant government roles, including Deputy Permanent Secretary in several ministries, and has been a prominent voice in media and gender advocacy through her work with the Media Council of Tanzania and various women's rights organizations. Her commitment to documenting Swahili culture is further evidenced by her scholarship, including her co-authorship of A History of Zanzibar Media: Traditions and Transitions.