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There’s a lot of talk these days about healing. We hear it in conversations, see it on social media, and feel it in the pressure to constantly be working on ourselves.

Unpack this. Journal that.

Fix your inner child. Rewire your brain.

The message is clear: you should be healing, all the time. And if you’re not, maybe you’re falling behind.

But healing is not a race. It’s not a productivity metric.

It’s not another project you have to manage. Some things take time.

Some wounds don’t close because you’ve read the right book or followed the right therapist online. Sometimes, the most honest thing you can do is sit with the ache and not try to force it away.

There’s this belief that the goal is to be fully healed before you can live fully. Before you can date again, trust again, make new friends, or start a new chapter.

But that’s not how life works. Life doesn’t pause while we patch ourselves up.

It keeps moving, even when we’re a little broken, a little bruised, and a little unsure. Psychologically, this pressure to heal perfectly can actually create more distress.

It turns healing into another thing to perform. You end up monitoring your emotions like a checklist: Have I processed this? Am I doing better yet? Why do I still feel this way? Instead of allowing space for your feelings, you start policing them.

Healing is messy. It’s inconsistent.

You might feel fine for weeks and then suddenly find yourself crying over something you thought you were past. That doesn’t mean you’re failing.

It means you’re human. The expectation to be emotionally perfect In a world hyper-focused on self-improvement, there’s an unspoken expectation to always be working on yourself.

And while growth is important, this mindset can leave you feeling like you’re never enough as you are. Every flaw becomes a problem to solve.

Every hard emotion becomes something to “fix.” But not every feeling needs to be solved.

Some emotions just want to be acknowledged. They want to move through you without being judged or picked apart.

When we treat our emotions like errors in need of correction, we miss out on what they’re trying to tell us. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to grow.

But growth can also mean accepting yourself in moments when you’re not okay. It means being gentle when your heart still hurts, even if it’s been a while.

It means giving yourself permission to live in the grey, instead of trying to rush to the clarity. Living while healing You don’t have to wait until you’re fully healed to show up for your life.

You can still laugh, love, make plans, mess up, and start over while holding grief in one hand and hope in the other. Life is rarely clean-cut.

Most of us are navigating complex emotions on a daily basis. That doesn’t make us broken.

It makes us real. In psychology, the concept of “dual awareness” explains how people can experience pain and progress at the same time.

You can carry sadness and still function. You can feel triggered and still find joy.

You can have trauma and still be worthy of peace. There’s something powerful about continuing to live, even when things feel unresolved.

It shows resilience. It proves that healing doesn’t have to look like stillness.

Sometimes it looks like movement, like living through the mess and finding meaning along the way. Signs you might be forcing healing: You constantly search for the “why” behind every feeling.

You feel guilty for having bad days. You judge yourself for not being over something yet.

You avoid relationships or opportunities until you feel more “together.” You treat healing as something to finish instead of something to live with.

If these resonate, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It just means you might need to take the pressure off.

Let yourself be incomplete There’s beauty in being a work in progress. No one needs a perfected version of you to care deeply.

The people who matter will meet you where you are, without requiring you to have it all figured out. The more you can offer yourself that same kind of acceptance, the easier it becomes to move through hard moments without shame.

Scars don’t make you fragile. Memories that still sting don’t make you weak.

They are reminders that you’ve lived, felt deeply, and survived things that shaped you. That depth isn’t something to rush past.

It’s part of your story. When the pressure lifts to be finished, fixed, or flawless, what’s left is space.

Space to rest. To feel.

To live without constantly checking if you’re “doing the work” right. Some of the most important healing happens when you stop trying to perfect it.

Healing isn’t a finish line. It’s not something you master.

It comes in waves, not milestones. Some parts of you might always carry an ache, and that doesn’t make you broken.

It just makes you human. The real goal isn’t to erase the past or numb the pain.

It’s to find a way to live with yourself in the present, soft spots and all. To build a life that honors who you’re becoming, without disowning who you’ve been.

There’s nothing to prove. No perfect version to chase.

Just a life, slowly unfolding. And that’s more than enough.

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Stone Town. The 23rd edition of Sauti za Busara, East Africa’s most celebrated music festival, will return to Stone Town from February 5 to 8, 2026, promising another vibrant showcase of Africa’s creative spirit under the theme “A Celebration of Culture and Diversity.

” The four-day festival, organized by Busara Promotions, will feature performances from over 20 countries, blending traditional and contemporary sounds across genres like taarab, Bongo Flava, afrobeat, and fusion. All performances will be 100 Percent live, reinforcing the event’s reputation as a platform for authentic African music.

This year’s edition will be headlined by the legendary Salif Keita of Mali — known globally as the Golden Voice of Africa. Making his Sauti za Busara debut, Keita brings his distinctive mandingue rhythms and powerful advocacy for albinism awareness, aligning closely with the festival’s mission to amplify socially conscious artistry.

“We are honored to welcome Salif Keita, a living legend whose music and activism resonate with the heart of Sauti za Busara,” said Journey Ramadhan, the Festival Director. “His presence, alongside our diverse lineup, celebrates the richness of African culture while embracing its future.

” A global stage for African talent The 2026 lineup features artists from across Africa and beyond, including Ben Pol and Man Fongo (Tanzania), Pilani Bubu and Malcolm Jiyane Tree-O (South Africa), Lindigo (Reunion), Sousou and Maher Cissoko (Senegal/Sweden), Atanda and Afrojazz Messengers (Nigeria/UK), La Carmen Y Su Familia Musical (Colombia), and Rajab Suleiman and Kithara (Zanzibar). Local acts such as Hammer Q, Tarajazz, Magomamoto Theatre Group, Mama C and The Fusion Band, and DCMA Young Stars will also take the stage, reaffirming Zanzibar’s growing influence as a hub for creative expression.

Economic and cultural impact According to Busara Promotions Managing Director Lorenz Herrmann, the festival has become a key economic driver for Zanzibar. “Sauti za Busara contributes an estimated $20 million to the local economy and has transformed February–once a low season–into one of the busiest months for tourism and business,” Herrmann said.

Local traders in Stone Town share the same sentiment. “Through Sauti za Busara, we make enough to sustain our families through the rainy and Ramadhan seasons,” said one vendor.

“The festival is irreplaceable for our livelihoods.” Herrmann added that the event’s expansion to four days offers “more performance opportunities for artists, greater exposure for partners, and increased benefits for local businesses.

” A recent UNESCO report on festivals in Southern Africa reinforces these observations, stating that “arts and cultural festivals generate significant income, create jobs, and empower youth, serving as strategic platforms for development and regional integration.” Cultural legacy and future vision Since its founding in 2003, Sauti za Busara has hosted some of Africa’s most influential musicians, including Ebo Taylor (Ghana), Cheikh La’ (Senegal), Thandiswa Mazwai (South Africa), and Zanzibar’s own Bi Kidude, whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

The festival’s reach extends beyond music. Through its NGO arm, Busara Promotions, it promotes youth engagement, supports the regional creative economy, and advocates for cultural preservation and inclusion.

“We are proud to produce one of Africa’s most significant cultural platforms,” Herrmann said. “More importantly, we’re proud of the festival’s role in strengthening Zanzibar’s identity as a top-tier cultural destination.

” Festival details In addition to the main stage in Stone Town, performances and community events will also take place in Fumba Town, a new urban development project by CPS Africa. Visitors can expect live performances, cultural workshops, and networking sessions throughout the four days.

Tickets are now available via www.busaramusic.

org and the Tukiio platform, with options for single-day, full festival, and VIP passes. As Sauti za Busara prepares to mark over two decades of celebrating African culture, the 2026 edition promises to reaffirm Zanzibar’s place on the global cultural map — where music, identity, and community come together in harmony.

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There’s a quiet pressure in the air these days. It doesn’t always show up loudly, but you can feel it.

You scroll through your feed and it’s all soft life content, main character energy, curated routines, aesthetic dinners, and captions about romanticising your existence. And even if you’re content, part of you starts to wonder, should I be doing more? But what if your life right now is calm? Uneventful? Centred around routine and small joys? What if you’re not in your hustle era or healing era or living a perfectly documented life? Does that mean you’re behind? Or worse, boring? There’s nothing wrong with a peaceful life.

We just don’t see it celebrated often. And in a world where everything is about showing, sharing, and levelling up, quiet consistency can feel invisible.

But being invisible doesn’t mean being unsuccessful. Sometimes, it just means you’re not performing for anyone.

The subtle stress of constant comparison When everything becomes content, it’s easy to fall into silent comparison. Even people who don’t consider themselves influenced by social media still feel it.

You see updates from friends who are traveling, moving abroad, launching businesses, getting engaged. Their lives seem full.

Yours feels repetitive. The same routine.

The same responsibilities. You start to ask yourself if something is missing, even when nothing actually is.

From a psychological perspective, this taps into social comparison theory, the idea that we evaluate our own worth by comparing ourselves to others. But when the comparisons are based on curated highlights, we’re not judging reality.

We’re judging illusions. This disconnect creates anxiety, even when your life is actually aligned with your values.

You’re not broken for not chasing excitement. You’re not failing if your joy comes from small, quiet things.

A steady life is not a wasted one. Peace doesn’t always look like aesthetic minimalism The term “soft life” gets thrown around a lot, but it’s often tied to luxury and escape.

The actual softness most people need is rest. Mental stillness.

Relationships that don’t drain them. Work that doesn’t eat away at their nervous system.

That kind of softness isn’t always instagrammable. It looks like boundaries.

Sleep. Saying no.

Making food at home. Leaving the party early.

We’ve started to associate peace with something visual, something polished. But real peace is often messy and deeply personal.

It’s not about being on vacation, it’s about not feeling like you need one all the time. The quiet power of routine There’s power in routine.

Waking up and knowing what to expect. Being consistent.

Taking care of your space. Going to work, coming home, resting.

These things might feel small, but they’re not insignificant. In fact, from a psychological lens, stability is a strong predictor of wellbeing.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs places safety and predictability right at the bottom of the pyramid. You can’t self-actualise if your nervous system is constantly in fight or flight.

A calm, uneventful day might not trend, but it’s often what keeps your mind and body grounded. What “boring” might actually mean When you describe your life as boring, ask yourself what you really mean.

Is it that you’re unfulfilled? Or are you just not being overstimulated? There’s a difference. We’ve gotten so used to stimulation that the absence of it feels like lack.

But overstimulation is often what burns us out in the first place. Quiet doesn’t have to mean empty.

Routine doesn’t have to mean stuck. Some of the most fulfilling lives are built slowly.

They’re full of small, repeated choices that don’t look exciting on the outside, but on the inside, they feel safe. They feel right.

Give yourself permission to be kow-key Not everything in your life needs an explanation or an audience. Quiet weekends, familiar routines, and a sense of calm don’t need to be defended or dressed up.

Trends come and go, but the way you move through your life should make sense to you. There’s room in the world for loud ambition and big dreams, and there’s also room for simple days and inner stability.

One isn’t better than the other. They’re just different ways of being.

Finally A boring life is not a failed life. It’s often a sign that you’ve created rhythm.

That you’re not constantly surviving. That you’ve made peace with enough.

You don’t need to be the loudest, the busiest, or the most visible. You can take your time.

You can grow quietly. You can build a life that makes sense to you .

Dar es Salaam. As climate challenges continue to intensify across Tanzania, young innovators are taking the lead in designing solutions that strengthen the country’s resilience.

This was highlighted on Thursday, October 23, during the YouthADAPT Demo Day held here under the African Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP). The event, organised by the Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA), the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC), and its local partner MTI International Tanzania, brought together young entrepreneurs showcasing practical, climate-smart innovations for Tanzania and the wider region.

Speaking during the event, the President and ceo of the Global Centre on Adaptation, Prof Patrick Verkooijen, said Africa’s youth were not just victims of the climate crisis but also key drivers of solutions. “Through our YouthADAPT Challenge, we are turning their ideas into investable, impactful businesses.

This is practical climate leadership, aligning innovation with national priorities and NDCs, while creating decent jobs and strengthening food systems and infrastructure where it matters most,” he said. Five local enterprises pitched their ideas at the event as part of the In-Country YouthADAPT Challenge.

Over the past few weeks, these enterprises underwent a rigorous due diligence process to ensure high-quality participation in the final pitching sessions. Similar Demo Day events have already been held in Nigeria, Ghana, and Rwanda, with Kenya set to host the final in-country event next week.

Tanzania’s adaptation needs remain urgent as the country continues to face challenges in agriculture and transport infrastructure. Farmers struggle with unpredictable rainfall, water scarcity, and post-harvest losses, while the transport sector seeks to build systems that can withstand heat, flooding, and erosion.

The YouthADAPT Challenge aims to promote bold, technology-driven, and community-based ideas that empower farmers with climate-smart irrigation, digital advisory tools, and resilient market access. It also encourages innovations that improve the durability and sustainability of critical infrastructure.

A panel of experts in climate innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development evaluated the pitches. Two Tanzanian enterprises will each receive a $30,000 grant and participate in a year-long acceleration and mentorship programme, gaining access to markets, expert guidance, and investment opportunities.

“Tanzania’s climate challenges reflect those across Africa, and that calls for shared innovation,” said CEO of the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre, Mr Joseph Murabula. “Through this programme, we are building a regional network of entrepreneurs whose solutions can strengthen resilience beyond borders.

” The Demo Day forms part of a broader continental initiative to bridge the gap between innovation and investment by linking youth-led enterprises directly with domestic and regional financiers. It also fostered collaboration among incubators, government agencies, and private sector players committed to driving adaptation-led growth.

The In-Country Demo Days will culminate at COP30 in Brazil this November, where the top 10 youth-led enterprises from across Africa will be showcased as global models of adaptation-driven entrepreneurship. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s women’s national golf team put up a spirited performance to finish third overall at the 2025 East and Central Africa All Africa Challenge Trophy (EACAACT), held at the picturesque Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort in Naivasha, Kenya.

The championship, organized by the Kenya Ladies Golf Union (KLGU), attracted elite golfers from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Rwanda, Madagascar, and Reunion, competing over three days on one of Africa’s most scenic and demanding golf courses. Team Tanzania was represented by Neema Olomi, Vicky Elias, Shufaa Twalib, and Khadija Suleiman, under the management of Yasmin Chali, Secretary General of the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU) and TLGU president Queen Siraki.

After three rounds of intense play, Tanzania returned a total of 460 strokes, placing third behind Reunion, who scored 445, and Kenya, who were crowned champions with 443 strokes. Despite narrowly missing out on defending their 2023 title, Tanzania’s campaign produced several highlights, most notably the emergence of youngster Shufaa Twalib, whose breakthrough performance marked her as the country’s next big name in women’s golf.

Recently promoted from the Under-18 junior squad, Shufaa impressed on her senior debut by carding a total of 242 strokes, finishing ninth overall in the individual standings. Her steady improvement over the three days drew attention as she struggled on the opening day with 85 strokes but bounced back with 79 on day two and 78 in the final round, ending the tournament with a respectable +29 score.

“I believe I can do even better if I continue to get opportunities to compete in international tournaments,” said Shufaa, who plays for Lugalo Golf Club in Dar es Salaam. Her consistent showing, combined with the leadership of experienced teammate Neema Olomi, was crucial in securing Tanzania’s top-three finish.

Top golfer Neema Olomi once again demonstrated her quality, finishing second overall in the individual category with a total of 220 strokes, just five behind Melliyal Schmit of Reunion, who took top honours. Olomi began the tournament strongly, shooting 72 on the first day, followed by 76 on day two, and closing with another solid 72 in the final round.

Her overall +4 score ranked among the best in the tournament and just slightly above professional standards. “If my teammates and I had managed slightly better results, I believe Tanzania could have successfully defended our title,” said Olomi, who represents Arusha Gymkhana Club.

For golf enthusiasts, Olomi’s performance came as no surprise, as she has consistently been one of Tanzania’s standout players both locally and regionally. However, the revelation of Shufaa Twalib brought fresh excitement and optimism for the future of women’s golf in Tanzania.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s business community has voiced optimism about maintaining operations amid heightened security for Wednesday’s General Election, echoing assurances from the Police Force that the vote will proceed peacefully without disrupting economic activities.

Police said in a statement yesterday that they have bolstered security measures nationwide ahead of the elections during which citizens will elect the President, lawmakers and councillors. Police spokesperson David Misime, speaking from headquarters in Dodoma, emphasised that the country remains calm, with no credible threats and urged high voter turnout without fear.

“The security situation in the country is very calm and there is no security threat that could prevent this activity from taking place peacefully,” he said. Mr Misime added that strict legal actions would target anyone breaching the peace, with preparations in place to safeguard areas before, during and after the vote.

Business leaders, particularly in key commercial hubs, welcomed the pledges, predicting minimal interruptions to trade and daily commerce. The Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC), which represents the nation’s key commercial interest,s stressed that the country’s economic momentum would not be sacrificed for political volatility.

TNBC executive secretary Godwill Wanga encouraged entrepreneurs to vote and resume routines, stressing that no true Tanzanian would forsake civic duty for unrest “I don’t see any problem for businesses during the election period. Business owners should be peaceful.

They should vote and if they feel like opening, they should continue with their schedules as usual,” he said. Dr Wanga underscored that historical precedent supports this view, noting that in “previous elections, businesses continued as usual.

” He stressed that the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward any activity that could be construed as economic sabotage. “The government under Samia has already said it will not allow anyone to tamper with the economy and it has a long arm, so anyone who breaks the law will be caught,” Dr Wanga affirmed, projecting confidence in the state’s capacity to contain any isolated incidents.

He further suggested that the global perception of the country’s stability is often underestimated. “People don’t know how well Tanzania’s business and economy are doing globally,” he said, alluding to the relative stability compared to heavily indebted nations.

The confidence is shared at the grassroots level of the commercial capital. Kariakoo Traders Association chairperson Severine Mushi said that local traders are ready for minimal disruption.

He expressed faith in the security framework, anticipating a quick return to normalcy post-voting. “We trust the security of our businesses during the election and they have assured us of safety and peace,” Mr Mushi said.

Since Wednesday will be a public holiday, he added that he expects morning voters to swiftly resume work. “It will be public holiday, so we expect in the morning people will return and continue with their usual duties.

We have no doubt and we have faith that people will return to their things without causing violence after voting.” Police urged members of the public to avoid inflammatory actions, reinforcing that the focus should remain on peaceful participation.

With no major incidents reported in prior polls under the current administration, business groups appear aligned in prioritizing continuity over caution. .

She is a healer, curator, educator and farmer. Rehema Remi, who prefers to identify as Remi, is proud of what they have achieved at Offbabylon, a place of organic farming and community building, where they farm and cook plant-based food, including ugali, pounded young papaya salad, smoked plantain and sweet potatoes.

Remi is proud to be back in Tanzania. The mother of two gorgeous children is German-educated and raised, still with strong ties to the country, but she describes being in Tanzania as “freedom”.

Asked why she relocated, her answer was simple: “Home is beautiful.” She has fully immersed herself in art and culture, working as an arts, culture and education consultant for institutions, having worked with the French cultural centre ‘Alliance Franaaise de Dar es Salaam’.

In addition, she is exploring her cultural heritage and studying traditional African healing practices, among many other endeavours she has her hands and mind in. She is thankful for the Tanzanian societal way of life, where close family members, friends and neighbours all take part in raising children, something that is uniquely African.

She has not witnessed that within Western culture. In Tanzania, children can freely play outside without any worries; in Germany, most parents would not dare do that.

“Here you can tell your kids to go eat at your neighbours and have my neighbours’ kids come to my place, without being scared,” she added. That’s why she is puzzled as to why so many African youth are hell-bent on reaching Europe.

“People do not realise how much freedom we have in Tanzania compared to other countries, even in Germany, I found it restrictive,” she said. She said, unlike Tanzania.

In Germany, the work-life balance restricts you. Life is monotonous and repetitive.

Even the work you can do there is limited, while in Tanzania, she is free to explore and unleash her creativity. Remi has her own description of the word ‘Freedom’ for her; even the type of food one chooses to eat is freedom.

As an organic farmer practicing permaculture at Offbabylon, Remi recognises the privilege of accessing fresh vegetables, fruits and grains in Tanzania–food that would be expensive in Europe She also values the kindness and warmth of Tanzanian people, who openly welcome friends and neighbours who arrive unexpectedly. “In Europe, you can’t just show up at someone’s door unannounced,” she quipped.

The social freedom Remi has experienced in Tanzania has been refreshing, she points out to the influx of European tourists coming to Tanzania for vacation as vivid evidence to the liberty of life in Tanzania. “I can decide where to go, I can go to the beach today and decide to go anywhere in Tanzania, boundless,” she attested.

The simple act of moving around the her motherland might seem insignificant to some Tanzanians who are accustomed to it hence take it for granted but Remi has seen the other side of restrictive movement to people who look like her. “Some people and politicians in German have on several occasions boldly stated publicly that they do not want to see black people in public” she said.

Europe’s high-pressure work culture, driven by high living costs and widespread debt, often traps people in a relentless cycle of labour and repayment. Remi detested that, “That’s no way for one to live,” she chimed in.

Savouring her freedom in Tanzania, she named her pet dog ‘Freedom’. Being a generation whose parents witnessed Tanzania’s early years after gaining its independence, she cherishes every aspect of it.

Scores of young Africans have in recent years risked their lives to cross turbulent oceans to go to Europe, thousands have drowned, perished and countless others remain unaccounted for, lost in the abyss of the Mediterranean Sea. Remi said, unlike Tanzania that enjoys peace, some of these Africans run away from internal conflicts and wars, so she can’t put herself in their shoes, “Tanzania we are not there as a country, where our people would be forced to seek asylum,” she explained.

Under the same breath, she points out the life in Europe that is being sold to Africans, which is contrary to reality. Most of these Africans fall for a mirage and the allure of European life, which is most likely unattainable for them, even if they make it to European shores.

“It’s just a picture perpetuating the modern world in Europe, but we all know that is not the life for black people,” she said. She pointed to the rise of right-wing politics across America and Europe.

“Every day they kill black children, you see the black lives matter movement, the incarceration of black men,” she said. The Alternative fur Deutschland has been gaining political muscle in Germany, the Far-right to right-wing populist, anti-immigration, nationalist has been vocal in their racist rhetoric.

Remi noted that she went to Europe for her studies; others like her choose to stay, either for love or to start a new life. But that worked well in the 90s and early 2000s; the politics have changed.

After her studies in the country, she got a nice job there, but the systemic racism was just growing bolder and bolder, where people started publicly voicing their bigotry. That drove her to be politically active in Germany, joining other human rights activists there and confronting everyday racism, which she admits was very exhausting.

Africa, Tanzania included, is no paradise, but she said, at least here she is not being judged for the colour of her skin. Though black people have excelled in so many fields and have done amazing things, in Western countries, they have to constantly seek the approval of other people and have to work much harder just to silence the doubters.

“The image they portray of black people in Europe is so negative and black people have always had to prove them wrong; it’s exhausting and many of us have committed suicide because of it,” she said. She has also been blessed to see the positive side of the country that offered her the vital education, she has friends and a community that supported her.

“I sometimes mean being able to make the quick food from the cans, cooking beans in Tanzania takes half a day,” she laughed. She also enjoyed the infrastructure in Europe; being able to take a train and travel to France in a short time was convenient.

“I wish we had that kind of transportation from Dar to Mwanza or Bukoba,” she quipped. Most of her German friends have visited her in Tanzania.

In a global world, all her friends from across the world have been to Tanzania and have been amazed by its beauty. She emphasised that she doesn’t want to discourage young Africans from pursuing their dreams to go to Europe, but Africans have to be pragmatic to the reality that comes with their decision to pursue their Western dreams.

“If you have the opportunity and the visa, you can go and be smart,” she said. “Be a quick learner, pick up things fast and learn to adapt,” she advised.

The job opportunities are not equally distributed to the unskilled, even the skilled African; some end up picking odd jobs just to get by. “Success doesn’t come overnight; patience and hard work are vital,” she added.

“Most importantly, do not forget home,” she insisted. .