Characters | The Matumbilas

Hashim

As a father, Hashim parents his children in a Tanzanian cultural way, but he becomes irritated when his kids don't understand his motives. And as a husband, he listens to Zainat, but easily gets tricked into doing tasks she wants them to do together that he originally opposed. Hashim also has a strong admiration for fish.

Amina

Amina, aged 16, is the voice of reasoning for her siblings. However, she sometimes over-exaggerates her theories which makes Rajab and Zulfiqar confused at times. Including Hashim and Zainat as well. She is a junior at Shortgreens High School and works at ABC Halal Fried Chicken.

Rajab

Rajab, aged 14, enjoys being with a group of friends, but he has a good moral structure that doesn’t make him jump off the cliff. Rajab enjoys picking on Amina and Zulfiqar, but the joke always goes back on him. He is a freshman at Shortgreens High School. Rajab has a deep fan connection with low-level famous Trap artist, Lil Lil Young Young.

Zulfiqar

Zulfiqar, aged 11, is a sixth grader at Glenwood Middle School in Shortgreens. He is the only black boy in his grade, so he feels like an African Delegate anytime Africa is mentioned in class. He keeps an optimistic attitude and is wise for his young age.

Zainat

As a mother, Zainat has high values for her children. Her marriage with Hashim is strong, but she takes things too personal when somebody goes against what she expects from them. Zainat’s compassion sometimes can be turned against her, particularly from free-loading extended family members.

Main Characters

Hashim

Amina

Rajab

Zulfiqar

Zainat

Side Characters