The ocean speaks in rhythms, in waves that rise and fall like the breath of the earth. On the morning of June 14, 2025, Kawe Beach didn’t just shimmer with sunlight; it pulsed with footsteps, song, and movement. The shore became a living stage where community, culture, and climate converged. Water, the essence of life, met dance, the language of the soul. Each beat, each barefoot step on the sand carried with it stories of struggle and resilience, of pollution and promise. Here, art was more than performance; it was a call to action, a ritual of healing, and a collective declaration that our waters matter. MUDA Africa, in collaboration with Nipe Fagio, organised a beach cleanup event to celebrate the “Tulinde Maji Yetu” campaign (Protect Our Water). The artistic dance performances took place at Kawe Beach, bringing together citizens of Dar es Salaam, youth, children, parents, institutions, organisations, and individuals to participate in the cleanup activities while enjoying engaging artistic presentations curated by MUDA Africa.
This event was part of the Global Water Dances 2025, a global movement that uses dance to raise awareness about water-related challenges and promote environmental action. This year’s theme, “Community Engagement for Clean Water and a Healthy Ocean,” emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in protecting water sources. Ian Mwaisunga, Director of Arts at MUDA Africa, shared: “To mark this day, activities included a flash mob, a group yoga session, beach cleanup, and performances by the MUDA Africa Dance Group, among many others.”
In an age where climate challenges are deeply felt, the community came forward to witness and participate. From the vibrant flash mob and yoga flow to the careful sorting of plastics during the waste audit, the event was a celebration and a statement: We are not separate from nature; we dance with it, we rise with it, and we must act to preserve it. Tajaeli Alex Masaki from Nipe Fagio added: “As environmental experts, we led the beach cleanup while also collecting data to assess the pollution levels at Kawe Beach through Waste Assessment and Brand Audits (WABA). We also had the opportunity to offer environmental education and share best practices on proper waste management within our communities.”
Art, particularly dance, plays a unique role in driving social transformation. Through dance, environmental messages are delivered creatively, in emotionally resonant and easily understood ways. Michael James Songoro, dancer and event coordinator from MUDA Africa, explained: “Participating in the Kawe cleanup was powerful. I was able to educate the community using art. Dance is a language that speaks through emotion, creativity, and accessibility.”
In this event, MUDA Africa used voice and movement to inspire the public about the importance of ocean and water source protection. Through dance, the community was educated, engaged, and mobilized, aligning with the strategy of data collection, policy advocacy, and direct community action, including using creative arts as a tool for awareness. More than 208 participants collected 102 waste bags weighing 1,224 kilograms, most of which were plastic waste harmful to marine life. Tajaeli Alex Masaki emphasized: “When we say water is life, we mean it. This event shows that through cleanups, data, and art, we can bring people together to protect our environment. Community participation is the true engine of real change.”
This campaign provided a powerful platform for the community to unite for cleaner environments, healthier oceans, and safer water sources. The Kawe Beach cleanup and Global Water Dances 2025 celebration clearly demonstrated that when communities are educated, inspired, and engaged through art and action, positive change is possible. Faith Jacob Tarimo, a student from the University of Dar es Salaam, called on young people and the wider public: “We youth must be on the frontlines of environmental protection and get involved in community initiatives like this. I also urge communities to separate organic and inorganic waste at the household level. When mixed, waste causes harm and management issues, but when sorted at household level, it improves control and sustainability.”
The event attracted wide media attention, amplifying its impact across Tanzania. Nipashe Newspaper emphasized the need for cultural change in beach cleanliness, “Communities are urged to embrace the culture of beach cleaning to attract tourism and safeguard public health,” wrote Nipashe on June 17, 2025. The Guardian highlighted the dangers of plastic pollution and praised the art-based approach. Raiya Nassoro, Chairperson of Mzimuni Street, Kawe Ward, shared: “I welcomed this initiative wholeheartedly because when people understand the value of the ocean and unite to clean it, they protect it. Cleanliness drives community development. I thank the organizers for bringing this event to Kawe.”
Global Water Dances 2025 proved that art is more than expression—it’s a catalyst. Through movement and music, it sparked environmental conversations that data alone could not. Dance connected emotion to action, turning spectators into change makers. As we advocate, systemic change requires us to align data collection, policy advocacy, and community action. This event did exactly that. Ian Mwaisunga added: “We believe that dance is not just entertainment, it’s a tool for transformation. Our youth are showing that art can speak for the environment. Their participation sends a message of hope and action.”
We urge the government and local leaders to continue partnering with organisations like Nipe Fagio and MUDA Africa to provide continuous environmental education, improve infrastructure for waste management, and support the use of arts as a tool for environmental advocacy. As the waves returned to kiss the cleaned shores of Kawe Beach, something deeper than sand had shifted. Global Water Dances 2025 was not just an event—it was a movement rooted in culture, connection, and collective responsibility. It reminded us that sustainability is not a policy alone, it’s a rhythm we live by, a step we all take together. As the African proverb says, “Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.” Likewise, protecting our water sources and environment will require all of us governments, youth, artists, elders, and every household, to hold hands, share knowledge, and move forward together.
