Freddie Mercury and Zanzibar
The truth behind Freddie Mercury's link to Zanzibar! Did you know how the island's culture influenced Queen's music? We tell you all about it here!
In this article, we will explore the connection between Queen's iconic singer Freddie Mercury and the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. From his birth in Stone Town to his musical legacy around the world, this small African island played a pivotal role in Freddie Mercury's life and work.

Freddie Mercury's legacy
Freddie Mercury was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His powerful voice, his charisma on stage and his ability to compose iconic songs made him a rock legend. But in addition to his musical legacy, there is a personal story behind this music icon.
Freddie Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara in Stone Town, Zanzibar, in 1946. The son of Parsi parents, he grew up in a home with a strong musical influence. His father played the piano and his mother was an opera enthusiast.
But despite his love of music, Freddie Mercury's childhood was not easy. At the age of eight, Zanzibar was rocked by a revolution that culminated in the island's independence from Britain. Freddie Mercury's family had to flee to England in search of safety.
On the island of Zanzibar you can enjoy an infinite number of activities that will make you enjoy everything the island has to offer to the fullest.
Music as an escape
In England, Freddie Mercury discovered rock and heavy metal, genres that inspired him to start his own band. He founded Queen in 1970, together with Brian May and Roger Taylor.
But despite his success in the music world, Freddie Mercury's connection to Zanzibar never faded. He always spoke fondly of his homeland and the influence it had on his music.
Return to Zanzibar
In 1980, Freddie Mercury decided to return to Zanzibar for the first time since his childhood. The trip had a profound impact on him and his music. In particular, the song "Mustapha", which was included on Queen's "Jazz" album, was inspired by Freddie Mercury's experience in Zanzibar.
Legacy and recognition
Despite his death in 1991, Freddie Mercury's legacy remains an inspiration to many. In Zanzibar, there is a street named after him, as well as a bar that pays tribute to his music. In 2018, a monument was unveiled in his honor in the capital of Zanzibar.
In short, Freddie Mercury's connection to the island of Zanzibar was a fundamental part of his life and work. From his birth in Stone Town to his return to the island in 1980, Zanzibar left an indelible mark on the heart and music of this iconic singer. His legacy continues to be an inspiration to many and his influence on music will never die.
Save our favourite beaches on Zanzibar 🏖️🇹🇿
📍Kendwa Beach:
Starfish sighting at low tide ⭐️ and best beach to watch sunsets.🌅
📍Nungwi Beach:
Best for swimming all day long (no strong tides)👙, great restaurants and beach bars 🍹
📍Pingwe Beach:
Best for beach walks 🐚 and a visit of the famous „The Rock“ restaurant 📸
📍Jambiani Beach:
Most beautiful beach with white sand and crystal clear turquoise water 🏝️
📍Paje Beach:
perfectly for water activities like wind or kite surfing,🏄♀️ very vibrant, lots of young travellers and backpackers. ✌️
Which one would be your favourite?
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Sailing through the crystal clear waters of Jambiani!!! ☺️💚💙
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#boat #fishermanboat #fisherman #fisherman #fisherman #fishermen
#smallboat #bluewater #bluewatersailing #crystalclear #crystallclear
#cristalclearwater #jambiani #jambianibeach
#zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarisland #tanzania #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarisland #tanzania
#hereistanzania #onlyafrica #africanportraits
#africageo #africageophoto #revistavoltaaomundo #africageophoto #revistavoltaaomundo
#natgeoyourshot #natgeoportugal #dji #djiportugal #djiportugal
#djimini3pro #djimini3prophotography
#missãovt #sapoviagens #ngpt

Y a pas si longtemps j'étais à Zanzibar. Aujourd'hui j'ai froid.
Et merci à olivier.rocq pour ses tutos rigolos !
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#zanzibar #tanzania #arusha #daressalaam #africa #zanzibarisland #dodoma #travel #kilimanjaro #morogoro #morogoro #zanzibarbeach #beach #stonetown #safari #serengeti #lumix #lumixfr #igf478 #igersfrance #igf487

Zanzibar through my lens 🇹🇿🩵
#zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #zanzibarisland #zanzibarlife #zanzibardestination #zanzibarbeautiful #zanzibartanzania #africa #thisisafrica #tanzania #tanzania🇹🇿 #tanzaniaunforgettable #tanzaniazanzibar #jambiani #jambianibeach #jambianizanzibar #nungwi #nungwibeach #nungwibeachzanzibar #paje #pajebeach #pajezanzibar #travelcontent #travelcontentcreator

The next big thing yconaluxuryresort mitaa ya Uroa 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
zipazanzibar
#exploreandinvestinvestinzanzibar #exploreandinvestinvestinzanzibarnow #zanzibar #zanzibarhotels #zanzibar🇹🇿 #zanzibarbeach

O paraíso fica em: ZANZIBAR!!!! 💙
An island in Tanzania, Africa!
After 2 days and many hours of flying (sleeping full thanks to God), I arrived!
Anxious to explore the beauties and show everything to you! Quem já tinha ouvido falar daqui???? 🔥

After a safari, it's common to hop on a short bush plane flight over to the island of Zanzibar for a few days. 10/10 recommend visiting this tiny, remote island off the coast of Tanzania 🏝️
We stayed at the stunning kilindizanzibar, which was originally built for one of the band members of ABBA before it was open to the public. I didn't realize Zanzibar had such clear waters, white sandy beaches, and beautiful tropical views everywhere you look 🌺
elewanacollection mahlatinitravel

Infinite blues...
Or infinite pools? Well, you get both at royalzanzibar! Plus an amazing floating breakfast!
Swipe to see a video from this blissful morning!
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#beautifulhotels #zanzibar #hotelsandresorts #tanzania #beachesnresorts #picoftheday #instagood #holidays #instatravel #summer #sunset #sunset #photooftheday #stonetown #nungwi #sun #island #sea #photography #nature #travelgram #zanzibarbeach #vacation #hakunamatata #paradise #ocean #love #travelphotography #holiday #zanzibarisland #beach #beach

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕒 𝕫𝕒𝕟𝕫𝕚𝕓𝕒𝕣 𝕚𝕤 𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕓𝕪 𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝕧𝕖𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕟𝕧𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕣𝕖𝕝𝕒𝕩 🌴💜
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#meliazanzibar #zanzibar #zanzibarisland #zanzibarbeach #dress #heart #tropical #relax #africa #visitzanzibar #tanzania #hotelgoals #beautifuldestinations #discoverunder10k #beautifulhotels #fashionista #reisemädchen #passionpassport #afrika #sansibar #travelblogger #bloggerstravellovers #women #womanfashion #travelgirl #explorer #luxuryhotel

Занзибар🇹🇿-райский остров🥥🌺🌼🏝 Почему сюда стоит приехать.
🌸 Невероятно красивый океан с яркими звёздочками прям на вашем пляже. Отели очень близко к океану, так же растительность 🌴 близко к воде (если вы выберете такой отель) Вся территория под охраной. Вы находитесь в безопасности.
🌸 Климат потрясающий, рекомендую для поездки выбирать Декабрь, как мы, когда днём жарко, но вполне выносимо. А вот вечер, он просто прекрасен, совсем нет духоты, очень было комфортно.
🌸 Малолюдно, по крайней мере в момент нашего пребывания в Занзибаре, было так. Для меня это очень ценно. Все шезлонги, пальмы в вашем отеле ваши. Даже пляж, будто ваш личный👌🏽😇
🌸 Еда невероятно вкусная. Для нас большой плюс, что Танзания, мусульманская страна, так как мы не едим свинину и все то, где она может содержаться даже в микроскопическом содержании. Поэтому ни в отелях, ни в ресторанах вы не найдёте блюд со свининой. Ещё они думают о вегетарианцах. Очень здорово!
🌸 Общение. Здесь конечно можно обособиться и ходить отшельником, но нам было очень интересно общение с людьми, которые здесь родились и выросли. Так много мы ещё ни когда не общались и не погружались в местную культуру, узнали много нового. Это необыкновенный, интересный был опыт. Во многом, это сделало наш отдых таким особенным, прекрасным и непохожим на другие.
🌸 В Занзибаре много потрясающих мест куда можно съездить. Невероятно красивая природа этого острова завораживает. Фотографий можно сделать большое количество и очень красивых. Я собственно так и захотела в Занзибар, насмотрелась фотографий и видосов.
🌸 Время. Для россиян, это ещё один жирный плюс. Потому что время в Занзибаре такое же как и в столице, в Москве. Не нужно подстраиваться под другой часовой пояс. Ты нормально завтракаешь, как привык, ты не встаёшь в час ночи( по мск времени), чтобы поехать на экскурсию как это было в других странах и т.д. Как же это комфортно.
Красота и комфорт- это про Занзибар 🤍
#занзибар #танзания #танзания🇹🇿 #пляж #океан #отпуск #путешествие #фото #zanzibar #zanzibarisland #zanzibar🇹🇿 #zanzibarbeach #tanzania #tanzania🇹🇿 #beach #beachphotography #beachgirl #travel #travelzanzibar #zanzibarphotographer

5 things not to do in Zanzibar ⤵️
- Toucher ou sortir les étoiles de mer
- Make an excursion to see (=pourchasser) the dauphins
- Aller nourrir les tortues de Prison island
- Make excursions at the same time of day as everyone else.
- Aller au banc de sable de Nakupenda au lieu de Nakupenda Bis
👉 Toutes les infos sur Zanzibar dans mon guide de voyage - itinéraire, activités, prix, hôtels, contacts >> lien dans ma bio 💛
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🇬🇧 5 things NOT to do in Zanzibar :
- Touch starfishes
- Go on a dolphin tour (=chasing tour)
- Feed prison island's turtles
- Do the tours at the same time as everyone else
- Go to Nakupenda sandbank instead of Nakupenda Bis (crowded VS alone)
👉 More info in my travel guide for Zanzibar - Itinerary, activities, prices, hotels and contacts >> link in bio 💛
📍The Moon, Jambiani
#zanzibar #poolgoal #besthotels #luxurytravel #shetravels #islandgirl #traveltips #travelgirl #sheisnotlost #zanzibarbeach #vacancesdereve #guidevoyage #travelblogger #travelblogger #vacancesdereve #guidevoyage #travelblogger

Why did Freddie Mercury move from Zanzibar to England?
Freddie Mercury and his family were forced to leave Zanzibar due to a revolution that culminated in the island's independence from Britain in 1964. Mercury's family emigrated to England in search of safety.
How did Zanzibar influence Freddie Mercury's music?
The culture and music of Zanzibar had a significant impact on Freddie Mercury's music. In particular, his visit to Zanzibar in 1980 inspired the song "Mustapha" which was included on Queen's "Jazz" album. Mercury spoke fondly of his homeland and always acknowledged the influence it had on his music.
When was Freddie Mercury's return to Zanzibar?
Freddie Mercury returned to Zanzibar in 1980 for the first time since his childhood. The trip had a profound impact on him and his music.
What are the tributes to Freddie Mercury in Zanzibar?
In Zanzibar, there is a street named after Freddie Mercury and a bar that pays tribute to his music. In 2018, a monument was unveiled in his honor in the capital of Zanzibar.
What legacy did Freddie Mercury leave behind?
Freddie Mercury was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His powerful voice, his charisma on stage and his ability to write iconic songs made him a rock legend. In addition to his musical legacy, Mercury's connection to Zanzibar is an important part of his personal story and continues to inspire many today.