Professor Askew presents the research findings for her current book project, exploring how Tanzanians and Zanzibaris musically and poetically respond to the changes that have taken place since the unraveling of socialism in the mid-1980s. With a focus on popularly produced poetry in Swahili-language newspapers or performed as Swahili rap, this talk explores how ordinary citizens interpret, enact and react to the fusing of socialist and neoliberal practices and ideologies in the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Center for World Performance Studies Faculty Lecture Series features our Faculty Fellows and visiting scholars and practitioners in the fields of ethnography and performance. Designed to create an informal and intimate setting for intellectual exchange among students, scholars, and the community, faculty are invited to present their work in an interactive and performative fashion.

If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Center for World Performance Studies, at 734-936-2777, at least one week in advance of this event. Please be aware that advance notice is necessary as some accommodations may require more time for the University to arrange.