Shaaban Robert is to the Swahili language what Shakespeare was to English. Acclaimed as the national poet, his publications have always been the touchstone of beauty of language, purity of spirit, and deep wisdom informed by African and Swahili culture in particular, but imbued with respect for and understanding of other cultures. Most prominent of his work is Kusadikika (To be believed), an allegorical work of an imaginary country or state in which injustices are perpetrated against all notions of justice, law and humanity. Published at the height of colonial occupation in Tanzania.