The Spice of Life: Zuhura Became Zara Bedel
The Making of Zara, A girl from Stone Town to Stardom
Zara’s story is not just about personal achievement; it’s about redefining narratives. Her life bridges two worlds—the vibrant traditions of Zanzibar and the dynamic modernity of global fashion.
She is proof that a girl from the spice markets of Stone Town can become a global icon while remaining true to her essence. Zara remains deeply connected to her roots, despite her global success. She frequently returns to Zanzibar, where she is greeted not as a celebrity but as one of their own—Zuhura Bedel Said. Her visits often inspire the young girls of Stone Town, who see in her a reflection of their own dreams.
From a tender age, it was clear that Zara Bedel was destined for greatness. Growing up in the close-knit neighborhoods of Zanzibar, she spent her early years playing alongside her cousin and other children, blissfully unaware of the changes that would soon shape her young life. When her friends became old enough to join class one, Zara was left behind, too young to accompany them. The once lively playground grew quiet, leaving her with sadness.
But even as a child, Zara’s determination was unwavering. Eager to reunite with her friends, she devised a bold plan with the help of her cousin. Without her parents’ knowledge, she joined a new school, attending class alongside other children. For two weeks, this secret remained between Zara, her cousin, and her teacher.
It was during this time that Zara first embraced reinvention. Her teacher mispronounced her name, calling her Zahra instead of Zuhura. Instead of correcting her, Zara saw this as an opportunity to redefine herself. She adopted the name Zara, a reflection of her eagerness to belong and her readiness to adapt. When her parents finally discovered her secret and the origins of her new name, they could only marvel at their daughter’s resourcefulness.
This audacious start marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Zara’s schooling was far from ordinary, as her talents and determination saw her skipping multiple grades ahead of her peers. Her ambitious spirit led her to pursue a career in aviation as a flight attendant with Tropical Air, a role that expanded her horizons both literally and figuratively. It was during this time that fate intervened once more, as Zara caught the discerning eye of Italian talent scout Carolina Canetti.
What began as a child’s quest to belong transformed into a lifelong pursuit of excellence.
The Spice of Life: Zanzibar to the World
Through the eyes of Zuhura Bedel Said, the streets of Stone Town, Unguja, Zanzibar, have never been more vibrant. Every corner tells a story, and every scent carries a memory. From the bustling spice markets, rich with the aroma of cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, to the lively fish markets teeming with fresh catches, Zuhura’s childhood was steeped in the sensory treasures of her homeland. Her journey often led her past to her old secondary school, Hamamni Secondary, a place that laid the foundation for the disciplined and resilient woman the world now knows as Zara Bedel.
Catching the discerning eye of Farouque Abdela, a celebrated Zanzibari fashion icon in 2014, was a pivotal moment in Zara Bedel’s rise to prominence. Farouque, known for his impeccable taste and ability to spot raw talent, immediately recognized something extraordinary in the young girl from Stone Town. Farouque committed to guiding and nurturing Zara’s modeling career.
“We Have Watched Her Grow”
As we wandered through the winding alleys of Stone Town, the air thick with the scent of cloves and history, we encountered a group of men—locals, they stood casually at a corner—one of them, a man of average build and middle age, approached us with a curious smile. His finger pointed in our direction, then paused, his gaze fixing on Zuhura. “Not you,” he said, nodding towards me with a chuckle, “but we’ve watched her.”
He gestured toward Zuhura with an air of familiarity, the kind born of years of shared streets and morning greetings. His hand sliced the air at knee height, narrating her journey without words. “She was this small,” he said, raising his palm gently, his pride was unmistakable, not just in her success but in the shared history they held. In that moment, Zuhura wasn’t Zara Bedel, the international model. She was still the little girl from Stone Town, weaving through the spice markets with big dreams and even bigger determination.
As we strolled along the storied streets of Stone Town, our footsteps led us to Robin Batista’s Photo Gallery—a gem nestled within the complex of Zanzibar’s cultural heartbeat. The gallery itself was a feast for the senses, its walls adorned with vibrant portraits and art that spoke to the soul of the island.
Amidst the striking displays, our eyes fell upon a series of stunning portraits featuring none other than Zara Bedel. Her image, captured through Robin Batista’s masterful lens, exuded a sense of pride and grace. Draped in traditional Zanzibari attire, she stood as a beacon of the island’s cultural richness and timeless beauty.
The gallery, owned by the celebrated photographer Robin Batista, felt like a tribute to Zanzibar itself—a vivid showcase of its people, landscapes, and enduring spirit. Each photograph seemed to tell a story, blending history and modernity in a way that only Stone Town could inspire.
Standing before Zara’s portraits, it was impossible not to feel the profound connection between her journey and the heritage she so proudly represents. In this intimate space, Zara was not just a model but a symbol of Zanzibar’s artistry and resilience, immortalized in frames that would speak to generations to come.
Zuhura to Zara Bedel
In an industry often marked by conformity, Zara stands out blending modernity with tradition, proudly representing the essence of Zanzibar. Her journey is not just about breaking into the fashion world—it’s about creating a space for women who look like her, dress like her, and share her story.
Zara’s presence in the industry challenges perceptions and encourages young women from Zanzibar to dream beyond the constraints of geography and stereotypes. As she walks international runways, She wears the baibui in her heart even when she dons haute couture. Zara has carved her name into the global fashion arena, her extraordinary talent and widespread acclaim have opened doors to collaborations with some of the most prestigious modeling agencies in the world, including Base Model in South Africa, MMG Dubai, and Women 360 Paris.
Zara has graced the glossy pages of renowned international magazines such as Vogue Arabia, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire, showcasing her unparalleled ability to embody the art of fashion. Her resume boasts collaborations with iconic global brands, including Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, Adidas, and Karl Lagerfeld—a portfolio many can only dream of.
Zara’s story is more than a tale of success; it’s a testament to resilience, ambition, and the boundless possibilities of dreams. Coming from the vibrant island of Zanzibar, she has proven that talent, paired with determination, can transcend any boundary.
In Zara Bedel’s journey, the world finds inspiration—a young girl from the spice-scented streets of Stone Town, Zanzibar, who dared to dream and became a global sensation. She is not just a model but a beacon of possibility, proving that dreams have no limits when pursued with passion and purpose.