Dar es Salaam — In a vibrant evening filled with rhythm, unity, and purpose, the Bahati Female Band took the stage at Nafasi Art Space on October 24, 2025, to debut their new extended play (EP) Nithamini — a Swahili phrase meaning value me.
More than just a music launch, the event became a powerful statement for disability inclusion and women empowerment in Tanzania’s creative industry.
Formed in 2018, Bahati Female Band is Tanzania’s first all-women ensemble composed primarily of musicians living with various disabilities. Through their art, they are challenging stereotypes, breaking societal barriers, and proving that talent knows no physical limitation.
“Our message is simple,” said Bahati Band leader, Aisha Mwinuka, who is visually impaired. “We want people to see ability before disability — to appreciate our music not as an act of sympathy, but as a celebration of skill, strength, and creativity.”
The Nithamini EP features six songs blending Afro-fusion, traditional Tanzanian rhythms, and contemporary pop sounds. Lyrically, it addresses self-worth, equality, and resilience — themes inspired by the members’ personal journeys.
During the listening party, the band’s live performance captivated the audience with energetic drumbeats and soulful harmonies. Each song reflected a story of perseverance, from overcoming discrimination to finding empowerment through self-expression.
“This is more than just music; it’s activism in melody,” said Grace Ndugu, a disability rights advocate who attended the launch. “Bahati Band is changing how society perceives women and persons with disabilities — they are living proof that inclusivity can be vibrant and inspiring.”
The band members faced numerous obstacles when starting out — from limited access to musical instruments and training spaces to being underestimated in a male-dominated industry.
But with support from arts organizations like Nafasi Art Space, MCL MwanaClick, and several NGOs, they gained mentorship and performance opportunities across the country.
Over the past five years, Bahati Female Band has performed at major festivals including Sauti za Busara in Zanzibar and Tanzania Women in Music (TAWiM), steadily earning recognition for their commitment to social change.
“We want to open doors for the next generation of young girls with disabilities who dream of being artists,” added Aisha. “When we perform, we want them to see themselves represented on stage.”
Following the success of Nithamini, the band plans a national awareness tour promoting inclusion in education, employment, and the arts. The tour will combine performances with workshops and community dialogues on accessibility and empowerment.
As the final song of the evening echoed through Nafasi Art Space, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation — not out of pity, but out of admiration for a group redefining what it means to be powerful, artistic, and proudly Tanzanian.
