Congratulations to Wachata Crew, a team of four graffiti artists from Dar Es Salaam, for being selected as the winner of our historic Voice of Maasai Mural Project Competition. Artists were asked to submit a visual concept and budget proposal via our public competition database for a mural that will be installed in Arusha Tanzania in celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th.
We had numerous entries, so the decision did not come easy, but ultimately we felt Wachata Crew would be the best fit for the job. The dynamically talented group's proposal was thorough, organized and very inspiring. We are so thrilled to make a historical mark on such a significant day.
Wachata Crew was formed in 2007 at the British Council grounds during WaPi, which was a monthly open mic event sponsored by the British Council in Dar es Salaam. Over the years, the Crew has received much recognition and has hosted numerous workshops for adults and children that help pave a brighter future. The Crew's focus on women's equality and empowerment particularity caught our attention. They are the Founders of Women Xpress, an artistic organization that hosts workshops and events to promote women in street-art in East Africa.
"When art, in all its various expressions, is used as a tool to awaken, inspire, connect and transform lives, we are able to experience the energy of the change we desire to see in our communities." WCTCrew
We look forward to working in partner with Wachata Crew with a continued relationship that celebrates creativity!
Message From VOM Founder Jessey Jansen
For me leadership is very much about making others feel empowered to do their best and to create positive environments. Being an artist myself, I understand the significance of support, and this is another way I can pay it forward and lift others up. I started Voice of Maasai in 2012 and it has evolved into an indie music and media label and I am very proud to introduce new opportunities for fellow artists and fans to become more involved.
Thank you to all the artists who submitted, I was extremely impressed by the quality and breadth of the applications. Look out for other opportunities at VOM including our current rolling Art/Illustration Award Competition. We are always offering new ways for artists and fans to be part of our global label and hope you will get a chance to engage with one of these in future.