The Wahapahapa serial drama is a 156 episode weekly radio soap opera produced by MFDI in association with Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, with support from the Tanzanian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the United States Agency for International Development through the US President’s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief.[5]
The story follows the formation and struggles of a music group from a fictitious town in the heart of Tanzania, and addresses HIV prevention and treatment.[6]
The project involved contemporary musicians from Tanzania such as Lady Jaydee, Banana Zoro, Enika and others together with Tanzanian actress Elizabeth Michael and was directed by Jordan Riber and others.
The Wahapahapa radio drama takes place in Kalumbi, a fictional town somewhere in the heart of Tanzania. Wahapahapa’s main characters are a group of musicians, The Homeboys Band, and the programme explores the impact of HIV/AIDS on young adults through the lives of the band members, their families, and friends. Three additional interweaving storylines communicate specific behaviour change objectives through transitional characters. There is the storyline of Mainda (Elizabeth Michael) and her mother Monika who have a tenuous relationship. Their story stresses the importance of parent-child communication in protecting youth as they navigate through the difficult period of adolescence. Tausi, an HIV-positive woman who eventually joins the band, is a talented young musician trying to pursue her dreams. Tausi’s story explores the challenges of disclosure, living positively, and confronting stigma. Ray, also HIV-positive, models the trials and tribulations of anti-retroviral treatment (ART). Ray works at the local Masifa (Pride) radio station, and, on his music talk-show Mwale wa Jua (Ray of Sunshine), he conducts live interviews of contemporary Tanzanian musicians.
Wahapahapa as the part of Mwamba Ngoma documentary won, Best Feature Documentary at the Northwest Film Festival, 2011; and nominated for best documentary at FESPACO and at the 6th Africa Movie Academy Awards.
