I grew up on and with the Indian Ocean

My mother was at home as a house wife and looked after us children together with two domestic servants – Baba Haji Ali and Mkwende.

My early childhood was very happy - without any major problems.

I spent the first five years of my childhood right in the center of Makunduchi village - called Koba. The house we lived in still exists today. When I visit it from time to time today, I am amazed at how small this house is and that we all found room in it. 

I can no longer remember the years in Makunduchi so vividly, as I was still a young boy. But I remember being surrounded by people who loved me very much - especially my mother Khadija, Baba Haji and my older sisters. It really was a carefree time.

While my father was very busy with his professional duties, our mother provided us with a lot of love and warmth.

I grew up on and with the Indian Ocean. That shaped me for the rest of my life. I was a lively child and very interested in my surroundings.

That didn't always make it easy for my sisters when they had to look after me. Sometimes I would escape unnoticed from at home, because music outside the house or something else caught my attention.

My time in Makunduchi had a huge impact on me. I have been coming back to this place my whole life – up to now.