A short drive away from the bustling city center of Dar es Salaam lies Off Babylon, a serene retreat owned by Scalar Mapunda and his family. Nestled in Mwanagati Kitunda, this unique farm is more than just a place to grow food—it’s a space where creativity, tradition, and sustainability come together.
Scalar, a celebrated visual artist, finds solace here, surrounded by a vibrant landscape of yams, cassava, pineapples, papaya, curry, and coconuts.
Beneath a sprawling mango tree, the family has built a home where nature takes center stage. The rustic charm of a mud kitchen, where meals are cooked over firewood, adds to the sense of stepping back into a simpler, more connected way of life.
“Sometimes the city feels overwhelming, Off Babylon is where I find peace, a place to recharge and create.” Scalar shares.
Farming at Off Babylon isn’t just about sustenance; it’s a ritual of connection. Scalar practices composting, using the remains of harvested crops to enrich the soil. These practices are deeply tied to the rituals Scalar believes in, blending the cycles of nature with a spiritual sense of renewal.
As an artist, Scalar also sees farming as an extension of creativity. Growing vegetables, fruits, and seeds allows him to cook meals that reflect his love for both the land and his art.
“Farming is like painting,
“You work with the seasons, the soil, and the sun to create something meaningful.”
Off Babylon stands as a reminder of what’s possible when we slow down and embrace the rhythms of the earth. It’s a space where farming meets artistry, offering not just sustenance but inspiration.
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