"Those who have a 'why' to live,
can bear with almost any 'how'."
[Viktor E. Frankl]
The older I got, the freer and happier I felt. My father’s strict control and influence gradually waned. The influence of friends, my football mates in Rahaleo, and also my interactions with the neighbourhood and Zanzibari society in general grew and shaped me.
The 1960s and 1970s were not easy times in Zanzibar, both politically and socially.
Although my family belonged to the middle class, we lived modestly and often from hand to mouth.
Some of my siblings had already gone abroad to study, so from a young age it fell to me to look after my elderly parents and my younger siblings.
Looking back, however, I recall my youth with a great deal of gratitude and joy.
My many friends, football and the strong sense of community amongst the neighbours and people in Stone Town and Zanzibar in general had a huge influence on me.
To this day, the memories of that wonderful time still linger and have sustained me throughout my life – even through many difficult times I had to go through.