A three-year contract between the Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) was signed 18 January, 2008. The annual support of NOK 600 000,- is given in order to build institutional and human capacity at DCMA in line with DCMA’s five year strategic plan. The Agreement was signed by the Norwegian Embassy in Dar es Salaam on behalf of MFA.
Teaching Traditional Zanzibar Music
DCMA opened its music school in Stone Town, Zanzibar, in 2002 providing music lessons as well as instruments to anyone interested in studying music or acquiring mastery of an instrument. Particular emphasis is placed on teaching traditional Zanzibar music styles, such as Taarab, Beni and Kidumbak, with most of the teachers coming from Zanzibar.
Occasional master classes and some guest teachers from outside give the musicians the opportunity to further their professional excellence.