Who We Are
The Hukwe Zawose Foundation is a community-rooted cultural organisation based in Tanzania, dedicated to preserving, supporting, and transmitting living traditional knowledge. Its work centres on music, craftsmanship, land-based practices, and intergenerational learning as they exist in everyday life.
The foundation operates from the Zawose village, where cultural practice, family life, and creative work are closely connected. Programs are developed in collaboration with artists, artisans, and community members, with an emphasis on respect, sustainability, and shared responsibility.
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Our Roots & Inspiration
The foundation is inspired by the life and vision of Dr. Hukwe Zawose, one of Tanzania’s most influential traditional musicians and cultural thinkers.
Throughout his life, Dr. Hukwe Zawose worked to protect and develop the musical traditions of the Wagogo people, while advocating for culture as a living practice connected to land, family, and daily life. His vision extended beyond performance to include education, instrument making, farming, and cultural transmission within communities.
He imagined a place where traditional arts could be practiced with dignity, where younger generations could learn directly from elders, and where culture remained inseparable from livelihood and environment.
The foundation continues this vision in the place where he lived and worked.
The Zawose Family & Continuity
The foundation was established by members of the Zawose family, including Dr. Hukwe Zawose’s children and grandchildren, together with close collaborators, to ensure that this knowledge continues across generations.
The Zawose village remains a living cultural environment. It is home to the family, the studio, the farm, and the instruments, and serves as the core space for the foundation’s activities. Knowledge is transmitted through daily practice, mentorship, and shared work rather than formal instruction alone.
This intergenerational continuity is central to the foundation’s identity and approach.
What We Do
The foundation supports a range of interconnected cultural and community initiatives, including:
- Cultural transmission and mentorship in traditional music and craftsmanship
- Artist and researcher residencies rooted in lived cultural environments
- Support for traditional artisans and instrument makers
- Community-based education and creative learning
- Environmental awareness and sustainable use of land and resources
All activities are developed with sensitivity to community rhythms, responsibilities, and values.