Stories. Connections. Community. Opportunities.
Diaspora & Modern Ties is a digital-first journalism initiative within Msimulizi Community News, connecting Canada, East Africa and the wider Swahili world through stories, people, culture, business and modern connections.
We tell the stories behind the connections.
What is Diaspora & Modern Ties?
Diaspora & Modern Ties builds on the work of Msimulizi Community News by bringing together journalism, multimedia storytelling, community engagement and connections across Canada, East Africa and the wider Swahili world.
The project explores the people, stories, cultures, businesses and relationships that connect communities across borders — while creating new ways for audiences to discover, participate and connect.
What We Are Building
THE MAGAZINE
Future flagship product
A quarterly digital-first magazine bringing together the best stories, features and conversations from the Diaspora & Modern Ties project.
The magazine will develop alongside the digital project rather than being rushed into production.
DIGITAL STORIES
Our editorial engine
News, features, profiles, interviews and explainers about people, culture, heritage, business and the connections that matter across Canada, East Africa and the wider Swahili world.
MULTIMEDIA
Video • Photo • Audio
Expanding our journalism through visual and audio storytelling, including interviews, community profiles, event coverage and short documentaries.
Msimulizi TV is our YouTube video channel.
Community, Connections & Audience
COMMUNITY
Voices • Events • Engagement
Community voices and stories, cultural events, conversations, reader feedback and opportunities for audiences to participate.
We want to move from publishing to the community toward publishing with the community.
CONNECTIONS
Business • Tourism • Culture • Education • Investment
Exploring the relationships, ideas and opportunities connecting Canada, East Africa and the wider Swahili world.
This includes entrepreneurship, tourism, heritage, education, investment and cultural exchange.
AUDIENCE
Who We Serve
Core audience: Swahili-speaking Canadians, East African and African diaspora communities, younger generations and community organizations.
Growth audience: Canadians interested in East Africa, entrepreneurs, investors, tourism stakeholders, educators, academics and cultural organizations.
Msimulizi TV — Our Video Platform
Msimulizi TV extends our journalism beyond the written story through interviews, community profiles, event coverage, conversations, explainers and short documentaries.
We will use YouTube to test what audiences want to watch, build a stronger direct relationship with viewers and explore potential revenue through YouTube advertising, sponsorships, branded series and partnerships.
Together, The Magazine, Digital Stories and Msimulizi TV form the core of Diaspora & Modern Ties. Through the CJF Emerging News Voices program, we want to learn how to strengthen these three components, understand what audiences value, and develop a sustainable digital journalism model without compromising editorial independence.
Connections in Action
Diaspora & Modern Ties looks at the connections behind the stories — from business and investment to the blue economy, halal tourism, culture and education.
BUSINESS, INVESTMENT & OPPORTUNITIES
Trade, entrepreneurship, diaspora-led businesses and investment, including emerging opportunities in the blue economy and halal tourism.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Language, heritage, food, music, fashion, arts and traditions that connect communities across Canada, East Africa, the Swahili Coast and the wider Indian Ocean.
EDUCATION & EXCHANGE
Students, academics, institutions, skills, knowledge exchange and partnerships that build connections across communities and borders.
How the Project Works
Diaspora & Modern Ties brings together journalism, multimedia and community engagement to create stories that inform, connect and create opportunities for audiences.
Msimulizi is now on the Whattsup Channel. Click here
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