Customer Reviews

They Came to Africa : 200 Years of the Asian Presence in Tanzania

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Lois Lobo deserves a toast of Champagne, and a rip-roaring round of applause for her accomplishment with this publication. To my knowledge, this is the first book on the Asians of Tanzania to be produced in this, a unique perspective. In essence what Lois has succeeded in, is sum up of a brief overview of the Asian Religions and Cultures of Tanzania, and in doing so, has dedicated two mini bio-sketches of either individual personalities or families per Sect. A total of over twenty bio-sketches ranging from Zoroastrians, Jains, Sunnis, Ithnaasheris, Bohra, Sikhs and Christians amongst several others.

This publication is not meant to be an in-depth analysis of the specific cultures or religions in question. But rather an appetizing glimpse, of the mosaic of the intriguing diversity that exists amongst the Asian peoples of Tanzania.

'They Came to Africa', follows along similar lines as Cynthia Salvadori's more extensive exposier, 'We Came in Dhows', which was confined more to the Kenya Asians. Lobo carries a similar theme, complete with nostalgic photos and memoirs, she has also included timelines, glossary, bibliography and index.

Lobo concludes with a touching epilogue, with two wonderfully written experiences of the Asians of Tanzania; one a eulogy by Mwalimu Nyerere at Amir Jamal's Memorial service and another is an interview with the Sultan of Zanzibar's former secretary. She states, 'The eulogy is a story of Mr. Jamal's infallible service to the country and the interview is a tragic story of the Revolution in Zanzibar'

They Came To Africa, secures a high place in my library of books, dedicated to the Asians of Eastern Africa. It makes for a wonderful and nostalgic addition. I highly recommend it for anyone immersed in the history of the EA Asians.