HERE IS IQBAL VARDA WISHING YOU ALL MERRY CHRISTMAS BY SINGING JINGLE BELLS
Song from the movie Maridadi
In spite of less available technology and set-backs during the time of making ‘Maridadi’ (1993) as a first Tanzanian movie remains a masterpiece of popular ‘Bongo Movies’ now made in our country. It should be noted that there were no Television channels until then. The first Television channel CTN started in 1994 followed by others later. Professional cameras, boom-mics, editing machines, etc for shooting were not available in the country! Despite the hurdles, movie ‘Maridadi came with Direction, Production, Technique, Story-Telling, Song-Writing, Singing, Scripting, Back-Ground Music, Dances, Performances, Dialogues, Screen-Play, Editing, Camera-Work, Set-Designing, Lighting, Costumes. .etc all coming together as a perfect whole by four brothers, Aziz, Iqbal, Yunus Senior and Yunus Junior as the pioneers in Film-Making known as, the Varda Arts!
Elsewhere, the pioneers in film-making are dealt with much respect. Their artistic works are preserved for historical records with honorary tribute.
Elsewhere, the pioneers in film-making are dealt with much respect. Their artistic works are preserved for historical records with honorary tribute.
In the movie 'Maridadi', Varda Arts introduced first 'Swahili Birthday' song as never before written, composed and sang by Yunus Senior. This song was used by Radios during 'Birthday Greetings Programs.'
Today, techniques may have improved hundred-fold. Modern budgets allow for lavish sets. But even today, watching 'Maridadi', again proves one thing : Whether in department of acting, direction, scripting or music, talent always wins over technique.
Today, techniques may have improved hundred-fold. Modern budgets allow for lavish sets. But even today, watching 'Maridadi', again proves one thing : Whether in department of acting, direction, scripting or music, talent always wins over technique.
What the media say about transformation of Tanzanian Music
"Naomba usibishe hapo.. mwanzo tulikuwa na utamaduni wetu.. tuliimba nyimbo za kuusifu.. hata muziki wetu ulikuwa wa kizalendo.. waliibuka vijana na kuutukuza.. Watanzania wenye asili ya kiasia walijitokeza na kuimba kutetea utamaduni wa Bongo 'Tazamia Tanzania' Yafaa tukumbuke tuliaswa vipi.."
'Watanzania taifa lisilo na utamaduni wao ni sawa na watumwa' - Nyerere.. By Deus Bugaywa
"Mtoto anayemaliza darasa la Saba leo anajengwa zaidi fikra kwa mtazamo wa magaribi na aina ya maisha anayoyaona mjini kama ni wa kijijini, au kwenye luninga.. Sehemu pekee ambayo ingeweza kujenga Utanzania wa mtoto huyu ni Shuleni amabako ilitarajiwa kama taifa lililo huru, linajenga moyo wa uzalendo na utaifa kwa watu wake" - By Deus Bugawaya
'Watanzania taifa lisilo na utamaduni wao ni sawa na watumwa' - Nyerere.. By Deus Bugaywa
"Mtoto anayemaliza darasa la Saba leo anajengwa zaidi fikra kwa mtazamo wa magaribi na aina ya maisha anayoyaona mjini kama ni wa kijijini, au kwenye luninga.. Sehemu pekee ambayo ingeweza kujenga Utanzania wa mtoto huyu ni Shuleni amabako ilitarajiwa kama taifa lililo huru, linajenga moyo wa uzalendo na utaifa kwa watu wake" - By Deus Bugawaya
Swahili movie 'MONICA'
The ongoing battle of justice for deserted children in the country was raised earlier in the film 'MONICA' written, produced and directed by Varda Arts. The movie was released in 1998 at the 'Starlight Cinema'. The Chief-guest Hon.Minister Mama Shamim Khan during the screening of the film literally could not hold back her tears viewing Monica struggle with an abandoned child. "You guys made my eyes wet. ." She emotionally said sitting beside me while watching the movie during the premiere show.
Though, at present, movies with social messages are more or less passe. However, Varda Arts belonged to the generation of artistes who tried their hardest to combine entertainment with a purpose either through their music or through their movies. 'MONICA' was highly acclaimed by critics at the ZIFF (Zanzibar International Film Festival) for its meaningful subject which, at one level seemed quite outdated, and at another, relevant in the conservative African and Indian scenario.
Men are hypocrites. On the one hand, we eulogize womankind as being noble and great as the embodiment of motherhood. When we want to give our nation the highest respect, Africans address it as 'Mama Yetu Tanzania' and Indians in India address it as 'Bharat Mata' but in practical life, we always give women the worst possible treatment. They are treated as slaves. Young daughters and children are raped in societies.
Even pet animals get better treatment in many homes. Cases of suicide, bride burning, child abuse, are still rampant in a so-called civilized world. The birth of a girl child is still considered a curse in our families. Why is it so? All these issues have been well scripted and exposed in the movie 'MONICA' that symbolize love, affection and warmth. Women deserve to be respected and put on a pedestal. They have as much right to happiness as any man.
Varda Arts' Swahili movie 'MONICA' was a fight for their rights of happiness.
Tanzania Media Womens Association (TAMWA) highly acknowledged Varda Arts' effort to highlight this issue. They never missed Varda Arts during their campaigns.
Though, the movie 'MONICA' may not be in the same league of contemporary Bongo action movies, but it had its heart in the right place, and even now, it succeeds in reducing audiences to tears.
Though, at present, movies with social messages are more or less passe. However, Varda Arts belonged to the generation of artistes who tried their hardest to combine entertainment with a purpose either through their music or through their movies. 'MONICA' was highly acclaimed by critics at the ZIFF (Zanzibar International Film Festival) for its meaningful subject which, at one level seemed quite outdated, and at another, relevant in the conservative African and Indian scenario.
Men are hypocrites. On the one hand, we eulogize womankind as being noble and great as the embodiment of motherhood. When we want to give our nation the highest respect, Africans address it as 'Mama Yetu Tanzania' and Indians in India address it as 'Bharat Mata' but in practical life, we always give women the worst possible treatment. They are treated as slaves. Young daughters and children are raped in societies.
Even pet animals get better treatment in many homes. Cases of suicide, bride burning, child abuse, are still rampant in a so-called civilized world. The birth of a girl child is still considered a curse in our families. Why is it so? All these issues have been well scripted and exposed in the movie 'MONICA' that symbolize love, affection and warmth. Women deserve to be respected and put on a pedestal. They have as much right to happiness as any man.
Varda Arts' Swahili movie 'MONICA' was a fight for their rights of happiness.
Tanzania Media Womens Association (TAMWA) highly acknowledged Varda Arts' effort to highlight this issue. They never missed Varda Arts during their campaigns.
Though, the movie 'MONICA' may not be in the same league of contemporary Bongo action movies, but it had its heart in the right place, and even now, it succeeds in reducing audiences to tears.
This old article published in Sunday news of March 8, 1992 by the most prominent Tanzanian photojournalist Muhindin Issa Michuzi who is well-known for initiating the 'Michuzi Blog.' Felt like sharing this with our well-wishers regarding the first ever 'Top-Ten Show' Competition held in our country in 1988.
Excerpt : "One significant thing during the Top-Ten Show competition is that Varda Arts were the only band who had no instruments of their own. . But they still managed to make history with what inferior equipment they had managed to hire and that is a landmark. . To have come up all the way as self-made artists, without asking any assistance from the government, donors or the Asian community, in itself is praiseworthy feat which should be emulated by others of their likes. ."
The writer mentioned this as there were other bands that refused to participate in the competition as it did not possess proper instruments. However, one should not forget that those days, even a string of 'Guitar' was not available in the country! To add here, only two days had remained for the competition and our main Key-Board player Rafik Farook became seriously ill! Instead of withdrawing ourselves from the competition, we decided to train Yunus Senior over Key-Board who had never played that instrument before. He practiced for 8 hours a day continuously for those two days and he did fairly well and we won against all odds averse to the seasoned artistes and well equipped bands!
The song was 'Tazama Tanzania' which was adjudged 8th out of 10 'Top-Ten Songs.' In 1989, the following year, Varda Arts's Song, 'Watoto' was also awarded for its merit and both songs have become timeless as they are still played over radios even after 30 years!
Thank you TANZANIA for the love showered upon us for all these years!
Excerpt : "One significant thing during the Top-Ten Show competition is that Varda Arts were the only band who had no instruments of their own. . But they still managed to make history with what inferior equipment they had managed to hire and that is a landmark. . To have come up all the way as self-made artists, without asking any assistance from the government, donors or the Asian community, in itself is praiseworthy feat which should be emulated by others of their likes. ."
The writer mentioned this as there were other bands that refused to participate in the competition as it did not possess proper instruments. However, one should not forget that those days, even a string of 'Guitar' was not available in the country! To add here, only two days had remained for the competition and our main Key-Board player Rafik Farook became seriously ill! Instead of withdrawing ourselves from the competition, we decided to train Yunus Senior over Key-Board who had never played that instrument before. He practiced for 8 hours a day continuously for those two days and he did fairly well and we won against all odds averse to the seasoned artistes and well equipped bands!
The song was 'Tazama Tanzania' which was adjudged 8th out of 10 'Top-Ten Songs.' In 1989, the following year, Varda Arts's Song, 'Watoto' was also awarded for its merit and both songs have become timeless as they are still played over radios even after 30 years!
Thank you TANZANIA for the love showered upon us for all these years!
After Varda Arts got officially registered, our first stage show with an orchestra was at IFM Hall.. We tirelessly practiced for two months.. The Chief Guest was Hon. Alnoor Kassam.. and the show was a Super Flop..!!! The amplifier that we had hired blew in-between our performance! We apologized to the audience but they kept shouting, booing, mocking, laughing and left the hall.. Seeing us disgraced, Hon. Alnoor Kassam consoled us by his encouraging remarks while our considerable efforts for the show were rolling down through our eyes in tears forcefully.. Critics had warned us not to venture in the music industry but to find a job instead.. We faced many failures and taunts may be rightly as music was not considered as a job in those days.. Against all odds, we gradually continued performing free as to be known at a time when we did not own our own microphone.. Though it took long hard working years of patience, struggle and perseverance to attain our goal, but our strong determination finally paid off.. Rome was not built in a day! This proverb and this story may be a source of encouragement to the younger generation.. In the first two pictures, Varda Arts being honored by the then President of Tanzania, Ali Hassan Mwinyi and then sixth Sec General of OAU (Organization of African Unity) Dr. Saalim Ahmed Saalim during shows!
Noorali and Kassamali, two friends were travelling to Canada to attend a wedding. Noorali saw an embroidered Pathani 'Kurti' in Kassamali's suitcase.
"Kassu, Bro, I love this Kurti! Can I borrow it? I want to impress the guests at the arrival and then will return it back!" Kassamali, however did not like the idea but somehow gave Noorali his Kurti.
Guests flocked to receive them at the Airport. Introducing Noorali to the guests, Kassamali said, "He is my famous friend Noorali who was in Canada but is now settled back in Tanzania with a T-Shirt printed 'Canada'.He is my neighbor at Upanga. He is noble, humble, gentle, and a good human being. The Kurti he is wearing is mine!" Noorali pushed Kassamali aside and whispered, "Yaar, why did you say this Kurti is yours?" "OK, I wont mention that again." Another group of guests came to welcome them and Kassamali introduced, "Meet my friend Noorali, the Kurti he is wearing is his!" Again, Noorali took him on the side, "Kassu, Yaar, why did you tell them this Kurti is mine?" Kassamali said, "Fine, now i will not say anything regarding this Kurti whether its mine or yours!" Next group came and Kassamali said, "He is my friend Noorali, I will not say anything about the Kurti he is wearing because he has told me not to tell anyone about this!"
"Tanzania thi aiwo maro friend Noorali, Kasubhai ni Kurti ene mongi padi gai. .!!"
Varda Arts - Jungbari
Varda Arts - Jungbari song!
Kacchi-Swahili language spoken among Zanzibari-Asians has been a landmark and an identity of Jungbaris (Zanzibaris) for years! It is so sweet to listen to Zanzibari-Asians speaking broken Kacchi replaced by Kiswahili!
Jungbaris are more comfortable with the use of the Swahili language in the family rather than their native language Kuchhi! They speak better Swahili than even the mainland Africans. We personally have always found it so pleasing and have admired their sweet flow of this mixed Kacchi-Swahili language. In this song 'Jungbari' we have tried to capture few cultural fabrics for East Africa's Gujarati families settled in Tanzania and Kenya as 'Kacchi' is deprived from Kutch district in Gujarat, India.
There is an unlimited joy for any music band to have their work accepted and appreciated!! Recently, a well wisher handed us a copy of the news paper 'Championi' dated 31st Jan 2016 that had carried Varda Arts story.. This is our true reward to be still remembered by the majority African community of Tanzania who since years have been showering their love and respect to value our art from the chore of their heart!!
In our time, we used to write and sing our own songs. Played and composed music in different languages including the rich Swahili East African language. Made music videos. Performed in Hotels and traveled throughout East Africa doing stage shows and live concerts in stadiums. We organized several International concerts with great artists like Dilip Kumar and Mahendra Kapoor in Tanzania. We had our Photography Studio and we wrote and published a picture-novel book called “Dr. Yes”. We did sound engineering, editing and mixing for movies in our studio. We worked as “Radio DJ” at F.M Radio Station as Producer and Presenter. We made several Swahili Movies, by Producing, Directing, Writing Story, Lyrics and Dialogues, also Singing, Acting, and giving Background music, as the pioneers in movie making in Tanzania now known as ‘Bongo Movies’. We worked with leading News Papers writing weekly columns and articles in several Magazines over cultural issues. We worked with a Television company where we Produced Documentaries, high profile Interviews, News Casting, while also writing and producing more than 100 Swahili Comedy and Drama Episodes that became highly famous. Whenever there was need to raise funds for a Charity Organization or a Political Campaign, we were the first to be remembered to ensure success, as Varda Arts was not only a name among Tanzanians of Asian and African Community and due to our contribution to the Nation’s cultural fabric, we were invited to perform in presence of the Father of the Nation Mwalimu Nyerere followed by the following three Presidents of Tanzania.
It was difficult to earn respect in the Entertainment Industry in our time. This was a big issue as music was looked down on as a ‘Time Pass’ hobby and not a serious profession. People advised us to ‘get a real job.’ That was a general perception of an artist those days. Sitting in a ‘Dala-Dala’ bus we hid our faces in order to not be recognized. For many years, we were made guilty for our profession and were given derogatory names as performing artists. We happily accepted that we shall spend our life in unhealthy criticism against us.
Internet brought the realization and changed the perception of our changing cultural trends with huge impact. Maria Richa Adhia Richa Adhia became a celebrity winning the crown of ‘Miss Tanzania.’ Businessmen now sing in our shows and do not feel inhibited in singing themselves with pride. We find Professional Models, Make-up Artists, Fashion Designers, Photographers, Event Organizers, Cake Designers, Singers, DJs and Sound Engineers doing commendable jobs connected to art with respect.
Our minds should not be clouded by negative elements of artists. At the same time artists should not look to those Businessmen with more wealth to see how they are living in comparison to their own lives wanting more success with short-cuts.
It was difficult to earn respect in the Entertainment Industry in our time. This was a big issue as music was looked down on as a ‘Time Pass’ hobby and not a serious profession. People advised us to ‘get a real job.’ That was a general perception of an artist those days. Sitting in a ‘Dala-Dala’ bus we hid our faces in order to not be recognized. For many years, we were made guilty for our profession and were given derogatory names as performing artists. We happily accepted that we shall spend our life in unhealthy criticism against us.
Internet brought the realization and changed the perception of our changing cultural trends with huge impact. Maria Richa Adhia Richa Adhia became a celebrity winning the crown of ‘Miss Tanzania.’ Businessmen now sing in our shows and do not feel inhibited in singing themselves with pride. We find Professional Models, Make-up Artists, Fashion Designers, Photographers, Event Organizers, Cake Designers, Singers, DJs and Sound Engineers doing commendable jobs connected to art with respect.
Our minds should not be clouded by negative elements of artists. At the same time artists should not look to those Businessmen with more wealth to see how they are living in comparison to their own lives wanting more success with short-cuts.
VARDA ARTS - ITV CLIP
This clip from ITV News Channel was aired on Sunday, 8th October 2017. We want to say, We appreciate you ITV! For remembering us, and reminding us of a different time of our life. This was the beginning of an era we unknowingly did not aim to create, but with God's grace and hard-work, we were able to achieve more love, success and achievements we did not think we ever could! Special 'Thank You' to Mr. Hemed Kivuyo of ITV
Muhammad Iqbal Varda on the right with his friend
It is Muhammad Iqbal Varda on the right (In red shirt) who composed songs like JAMILA WANGU, CANADA THI AIVO MARO FRIEND NURALI, HUU INDIA NO RAJA and many more songs.. He is blessed with the voice of Muhammed Rafi Sahab, the Legend.
Compliments are the reward of your work. Ashvin Bhai Mehta visiting Dar after 30 years from U.K with his family, was in attendance at Khana Khazana last Friday all in praise for us as he shared his feelings about how he viewed our performance according to his perception.
Often, people say nice things about us.. and for us, it becomes difficult to respond because we find the words like 'Thank you' too small for that!
We all like to be praised as it is human weakness. It will not be self-effacing if we shared this clip with our fans, because all praise belongs to God Almighty for the gift bestowed to us. We simply deliver this gift that rightly belongs to our audience and nothing more than that.
Often, people say nice things about us.. and for us, it becomes difficult to respond because we find the words like 'Thank you' too small for that!
We all like to be praised as it is human weakness. It will not be self-effacing if we shared this clip with our fans, because all praise belongs to God Almighty for the gift bestowed to us. We simply deliver this gift that rightly belongs to our audience and nothing more than that.
It was an honorable moment when Bhai Satish Joshi who has a deep knowledge of music and one of our well-wishers brought for us a book, 'Mile Sur' as a gift all the way from India and respectfully presented it to us last Wednesday at Hotel Sapphire.
Gifts do not matter, but the sentiments behind the gift matters a lot. For us, the value of this book of musical knowledge is an encouragement that money cannot buy. We all need cheerleaders like Satish Bhai in our lives who help us to move forward with hope and fortitude.
Gifts do not matter, but the sentiments behind the gift matters a lot. For us, the value of this book of musical knowledge is an encouragement that money cannot buy. We all need cheerleaders like Satish Bhai in our lives who help us to move forward with hope and fortitude.
It was an honor to meet and to know Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, a Zanzibar Politician and a Sec. Gen. of the Civic United Front (CUF) and the First Vice President of Zanzibar
I would like to share this with all of you. . It was an honor to meet and to know Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, a Zanzibar Politician and a Sec. Gen. of the Civic United Front (CUF) and the First Vice President of Zanzibar during one of his highly interesting and fascinating interview session at the CEN Television in 1997. .
Sunheri Yaadein : Iqbal Varda (varda arts' Rafi) on 'tabla' with 'Rasik Pandya & Party music group of Dar Es Salaam..Iqbal Varda was popularly known for his ability to sing while playing 'tabla' at the same time..rare talent in music-world..Next to him is a renowned singer Suresh Mehta..on looking is another notable singer Bhagwaan performing at a private function..!!!
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