Mohamed Wasia Charinda

Mohamed Wasia Charinda (1947-2021) was a prominent Tanzanian artist, widely recognized for his contributions to the Tingatinga art movement. Born in 1947 in Nakapanya, a village near the Mozambique border, Charinda belonged to the Makua tribe. His early life was marked by traditional rural activities, but he eventually emerged as a significant figure in the Tanzanian art world, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence artists today.

Early Life and Cultural Background

Charinda's upbringing in Nakapanya was steeped in the customs and traditions of the Makua people. As a child, he found joy in singing, a communal activity that brought together boys and girls after long days of work in the fields. These songs were not just for entertainment; they were educational, passing down cultural knowledge and moral lessons. For example, one song cautioned young boys against speaking to married women, highlighting the importance of social boundaries and respect.

Charinda's family, like many in rural Tanzania, relied on agriculture for sustenance. Alongside his 10 siblings, he helped in the crop fields, growing a variety of staples such as manioc, millet, maize, beans, rice, peanuts, and cashew nuts. Their hard work ensured that the family had enough to eat and even allowed them to sell surplus produce at the local market.

Despite his deep connection to his cultural roots, Charinda's formal education was limited to just four years of schooling. However, the skills and knowledge he gained during his formative years, both in the classroom and in the fields, would later inform his artistic practice, particularly in his depiction of rural life and traditional Makua themes.

Military Service and Transition to Art

As a young man, Charinda served in the Tanzanian military for four years, stationed in various locations including Arusha, Songea, and Dar es Salaam. This experience exposed him to different parts of the country and diverse cultures, broadening his perspective and influencing his later work as an artist.

After his military service, Charinda found employment as a mechanic in a transportation company. It was during this time that he first encountered the Tingatinga art movement, a style of painting that originated in Dar es Salaam in the late 1960s. His relatives were already involved in Tingatinga painting, and Charinda was immediately drawn to the vibrant colors and bold imagery that characterized this unique art form.

Recognizing the potential to make a living as an artist, Charinda decided to pursue painting seriously. He apprenticed under Mr. Mruta, a skilled and patient instructor who introduced him to the fundamentals of Tingatinga painting. In the beginning, Charinda was tasked with painting crows—an exercise that lasted for two months. This disciplined approach was designed to help him master the techniques and develop a keen eye for detail. After successfully painting crows, Charinda moved on to guinea fowls and, over the course of three years, gradually learned to depict a wide range of African animals, including zebras, elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and antelopes.

Artistic Style and Themes

Charinda's artistic style was deeply rooted in the Tingatinga tradition, characterized by its use of bright colors, stylized forms, and a focus on African wildlife and folklore. However, he also developed a distinctive approach that set him apart from other artists in the movement. One of his unique contributions was the depiction of "ghosts" or spirits, inspired by Makua tales. These figures represented both benevolent and malevolent spirits, often telling stories of thieves, robbers, and rapists who, after death, were transformed into ghosts as a form of punishment, forced to remain connected to their victims.

In addition to these supernatural themes, Charinda was fascinated by the human mind and emotions. He created a series of paintings titled "Thoughts in the Brain," which explored fears, sorrows, and other psychological states. These works were notable for their innovative depiction of open heads, visually representing the internal struggles and mental processes of his subjects.

Innovations and Legacy

Charinda was not only a talented painter but also an innovator within the Tingatinga movement. He was the first artist to introduce canvas as a material for painting, a significant departure from the traditional masonite plates that were commonly used. This shift allowed for larger and more versatile artworks, expanding the possibilities for Tingatinga artists and contributing to the evolution of the style.

In 1994, Charinda's work gained international recognition when he was invited as a special guest to an exhibition at the Swiss Tropical Institute in Basel, Switzerland. This event marked one of the first times that Tingatinga art was showcased on a global stage, helping to elevate the movement and bring greater awareness to Tanzanian art.

Throughout his career, Charinda remained committed to the traditional Tingatinga style, even as he explored new themes and techniques. His paintings were featured in numerous exhibitions, and his works can be found in museums and private collections around the world. 

Personal Life and Passing

Charinda was known for his warm personality and infectious laughter, with his eyes almost disappearing into his round face whenever he smiled. Despite his success as an artist, he remained deeply connected to his roots and continued to draw inspiration from his cultural heritage.

He passed away on August 12, 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy that includes not only his own body of work but also the continued influence of his artistic vision on the next generation of Tingatinga painters. Charinda was survived by seven children, some of whom have followed in his footsteps, carrying on the family tradition and contributing to the ongoing evolution of the Tingatinga art movement.

Conclusion

Mohamed Wasia Charinda's life and work embody the essence of the Tingatinga art movement—a vibrant, colorful, and deeply expressive form of art that captures the spirit of Tanzania and its people. From his humble beginnings in Nakapanya to his rise as a respected artist with international acclaim, Charinda's journey is a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring importance of cultural heritage.

His innovative approach to painting, particularly his introduction of canvas as a medium and his exploration of complex themes like the supernatural and the human psyche, has left an indelible mark on the art world. As one of the oldest and most respected members of the Tingatinga cooperative, Charinda's influence continues to be felt, both in the works of his contemporaries and in the new generation of artists who are building on his legacy.

Through his art, Charinda has ensured that the stories, traditions, and values of the Makua people—and by extension, the broader Tanzanian culture—will be preserved and shared with audiences around the world for generations to come. His paintings serve as a bridge between the past and the present, the visible and the invisible, the mundane and the mystical, offering a window into a world that is at once familiar and profoundly mysterious.

Charinda's legacy is not only found in his paintings but also in the impact he has had on the Tingatinga movement as a whole. His innovations, dedication to traditional styles, and willingness to explore new themes have helped shape the movement into what it is today. As we remember and celebrate his life and work, we honor not only the artist but also the rich cultural heritage that he so beautifully represented.

Through exhibitions, collections, and continued appreciation of his art, Mohamed Wasia Charinda's contributions to the world of art will continue to be recognized and cherished, ensuring that his spirit and vision live on.