Christina and Hamidu both experienced harsh discrimination and exclusion throughout their childhoods on Ukerewe Island. Christina was abandoned by her father at birth, and suffered wider isolation from her family and community. Hamidu was mocked and beaten by his peers.
"Growing up, I was separated from the rest of my family. When I cooked, others would refuse to eat it." Christina
Christina and Hamidu met as young adults, and quickly chose to build a life together. Despite continuing to face community discrimination -- and particular prejudice from Hamidu's family, with whom they lived -- their relationship gave them a new lease of life.
Eventually, Christina and Hamidu were able to rent their own home close to the town centre, where they now live with their two children. Hamidu works as a technician, fixing radios and mobile phones, while Christina takes care of their children full-time. They have made friends with other families in the community, and feel safer now than ever before.
"I love to spend time taking care of my family, as well as chatting to the people in my community" Christina
Although it is impossible to completely shield their son with albinism from stigma, Christina and Hamidu hope that having two parents with albinism will help him to feel supported and understood.
Hamidu and Christina remember all too well the difficulties faced by children and young people with albinism. Hamidu remembers not being able to read the blackboard due to low vision, an issue that was unknown to the teachers.
Christina was determined to get an education throughout her childhood, but she also found schools were ill-equipped to meet her needs.
Both of these parents now passionately believe their problems in youth could have been alleviated by stronger awareness of albinism: they say it is the collective responsibility of society to advocate for the rights of people with albinism.
"I would love to become an influential leader. I have been greatly encouraged by the presence of a person with albinism in the Tanzanian parliament, as it shows that albinism does not hinder a person’s ability to lead. If she could do it, maybe I can too. She is a role model" Hamidu, referring to Al-Shaymaa Kwegyir, MP
As well as the need for change and advocacy at a national level, Christina and Hamidu also recognise the need for the voices of those with albinism to be heard in everyday life across local communities. Christina and Hamidu have found music to be an impactful tool for advocacy, and are performers within the internationally renowned music collective, the Tanzania Albinism Collective. With the support of Standing Voice and Grammy Award-winning US music producer Ian Brennan, this unique group have released two albums: White African Power (2017) and Our Skin May Be Different but our Blood is the Same (2018).
The music produced and performed by the group brings communities together to increase understanding and respect of people with albinism as legitimate members of their communities. In June 2017, the Tanzania Albinism Collective travelled to the UK to perform at WOMAD Festival, bringing their powerful message to the international stage.
"Music is our way to send a message to the world. We are able to share our stories and emotions, reaching people we have never met before" Hamidu
One online review hailed their debut album for its "fragile grace… sense of discovery, and ability to give some of Africa’s most marginalised people a voice". The freedom to express oneself is critical, and through music this inspirational couple has built a platform to positively influence both their immediate community and society at large.
Listen to their music below.
© 2026 Standing Voice
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