(2023) "Beloved Youth of Many Days: Stories about Mlimani Park Orchestra"

Since their debut in 1978, critics have hailed Mlimani Park Orchestra as one of Africa’s greatest rhumba bands. The group recently received the 2022 Honorary Award from the Music in Africa Foundation, marking a monumental achievement in their long and storied history.

The film features rehearsal and performance footage, archival stills and interviews with band members, fans, producers, managers, media personalities and political figures, including the former President of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete. Edited with a musician’s timing, the film weaves the past and present to create an all-encompassing profile of the Mlimani Park Orchestra.

This event is presented by the African Studies Institute, the Willson Center for Humanities and Arts, and by the UGA Humanities Council as part of the UGA Humanities Festival.