This episode is again based in Nungwi in northern Zanzibar. I spent six weeks lazing at this idyllic spot wandering over the white sands and through the village and helping the women fish. I narrate the cultural events I witnessed while staying in this small fishing village over four consecutive weekends. This includes 1) a soccer match between two villages, 2) a visit from a Muslim child prophet, 3) a disco with associated ghetto blaster , and 4) witch doctors working on a cursed woman.  

Zanzibar has been exposed to many cultures for the last two thousand years with known trading routes and external influence between the 16th and 19th century. This includes the Arab countries bringing Islam, the Portuguese and other Europeans, India and Persia. 

I was blown away by the ease this village adopted cultural practices but still retained their traditions and belief systems as part of a melting pot of cultural diversity represented in one small population. With the pressure applied to this village later on with increased tourism expansion, I wonder if this plasticity has been lost or whether they have adopted new customs and lost others. These events that I witnessed will never be repeated again. I am so glad I got the opportunity to witness these amazing events. Once again, tourism leaves its mark. 

Photo: Tanzanian witch doctor. Source - medicalaid.org