Zanzibar: The Hijab DJ wins Woman of the Year Award

Against the backdrop of various challenges faced by women in Zanzibar's patriarchal society, the 23-year-old radio presenter is reportedly the first female to take up deejaying on the archipelago.

The non-conformist DJ was the runner-up in the 2019 Be Talent competition, which showcases gifted individuals in Zanzibar. She has also played at various functions around Zanzibar.

Bakary began working at different radio and TV stations in 2017 but was never paid for her efforts.

“It’s very hard to be a DJ as a woman, especially here in Zanzibar, as 99% of the population is Muslim,” she said.

“Religion is not about how you look but about what you believe in. I get a lot of bad comments but I am confident in my beliefs and I never give up on my dreams until they are my reality.”

Bakary also called on parents and the Zanzibari community to help girls make their own choices so they could thrive in different careers.

The Women of the Year Award is organised by WomenFuture and aims to recognise inspirational women in the region.

Bakary stood out as a worthy winner after her background and unusual pathway caught the interest of the award's jury.

WomenFuture says Bakary’s accomplishments in Zanzibar's music scene fit perfectly with the organisation’s vision.

“These women seldom get any attention or recognition and so came the idea of discovering and promoting role models for women who want someone to look up to and be inspired by," WomenFuture initiator John John Bruseth says.

"WomenFuture hopes the prize will be widely known in Zanzibar as an important annual event with the objective of highlighting female role models in Zanzibar and inspiring other women to become entrepreneurs to start businesses, to become leaders, or to lead in fields mostly dominated by men."