A chance discussion about old sounds resulted in a very special discovery. This instrument is the last one in the village and had not been played for around 20 years. With a dual purpose it gathered maize during the day and was turned upside down and used as a drum for certain occasions. It was mainly used during female circumcision and as that custom has died out completely, the instrument has also now been forgotten.

African mhongwa drum from Tanzania from Martin Neil on Vimeo.

So here it is – THANKS to all who bought the Sing to the Well CD – we now have a finished medical dispensary. The first medical unit in this village. The interesting part of the story is that the government has now been kicked into action and they have almost completed a clinic which will be adjacent to this new dispensary. Unfortunately governmental red tape has stopped the opening of our facility until later in June. The government have promised that they will supply a doctor, nurse and supplies. Check out the photos below. [click to continue...]

Rebekah’s family have always been interested in natural remedies. Through some research on the internet we have come in contact with a company called Anamed whose focus is on encouraging the natural resources that each country has in their land. Western drugs, when they can be obtained are very expensive, so we have been asking the question of what natural resources are available within central Tanzania. [click to continue...]

What’s the biggest change in your life time?” was the question we asked the oldest man in the village. “Female circumcision” he replied whilst other men around laughed. An interesting statement from someone who has lived through so many other changes in his community – this practise has completely died out amongst the Wagogo people due to teaching and a governmental campaign throughout Tanzania. His answer may have been due to the season we were in – we had arrived during male circumcision time (a real celebration were the drummers played all night – every night) and many of the young boys were seen coming back early in the morning on the backs of bicycles from the special place. The old man then left to go and play an African game that requires good memory skills – not bad for 100!

So good to be back in Tanzania – we have heard that Mnase village have had the best harvest for 8 years! It will be amazing to be there for the first time when they have an abundance. Every other trip has been when they were in a poor situation concerning crops. The land looks so green for June – amazingly beautiful.