Two years ago, nestled in the cosy confines of his auntie’s house, D found himself caught up in yet another riveting game of Monopoly with his friends and relatives. Amidst the delightful chaos of playful tension, laughter, and enjoyment, a quiet curiosity began to blossom. The game that had been a cherished part of his young adult life was losing its lustre, that left him longing for something more. It suddenly struck him—Piccadilly Square and Park Lane seemed a world away, the streets, landmarks, and the game’s Western aesthetic was a stark contrast to his Tanzanian roots. Although he had been lucky enough to have physically witnessed “Piccadilly”, “Park Lane” and several others of the UK locations listed on the Monopoly board game he was playing, he still couldn’t suppress the urge to create a version of such a board game that every Tanzanian could undoubtedly relate to. From the locations, to the language and in-game visuals.
“Why wasn’t the game more relatable to Tanzanians?” D questioned.
D realised that the game’s terminology and financial concepts didn’t resonate with Tanzania’s economic landscape. “I wanted to create a game Tanzanian’s could relate to”, said D. And that was when “Bongopoly” was conceptualised. D was determined to recreate the game specifically for Tanzanians and he did!
Bongopoly is the first ever Kiswahili board game of its kind that encompasses lessons around financial literacy, strategic thinking, negotiation skills, resource management and understanding market dynamics. Bongopoly serves as a reflection of real-world economics, in an entertaining fashion, offering a blend of strategy, luck, and social interaction.
The official viewing party for Bongopoly at, The Slow Leopard in Dar was a huge success as young adults from various backgrounds came to enjoy the game. It was an electric crowd. Bongopoly features an extremely unique and specific design that caters directly to a Tanzanian audience.
Entirely in Kiswahili, the game immerses players in the nuances of Tanzanian life, from “kulipa Mchango za harusi” to iconic components like “Mkokoteni,” “Mnara wa Askari,” and “Mwenge wa Uhuru.” Geographic hotspots in Dar, including Masaki, Kinondoni, and Mbezi Beach, make Bongopoly a sizzling sensation that not only entertains but celebrates the vibrant spirit of Tanzanian culture.
It is a dazzling fusion of familiarity and novelty, Bongopoly flaunts a design tailor-made for the Tanzanian soul! While the Bongopoly Launch is still underway, game lovers can order the game via the Bongopoly instagram account @bongopoly or by reaching out to the hotline directly at +255 743 293 259.
At Gazzetea we are all about enjoying the holidays and we absolutely recommend this game for you and your loved ones! Get ready to roll the dice, upambane na hali yako ya maisha yaki Bongo Bongo!
Enjoy!
Love, Gazzetea.
