DAR ES SALAAM, April 26 -- IN theory, a beauty pageant is a simple affair. Young women gather, walk gracefully, answer questions with admirable composure, accompanied by some soothing music.

At the end of the day one of them goes home wearing a crown that looks mildly uncomfortable but deeply symbolic.

Everyone claps. Photographs are taken. The nation moves on.

In Tanzania, however, this is merely the opening scene. Because what follows is where the real entertainment begins.

Let us rewind, just briefly, to 1967. The very first pageant. A fresh idea. A hopeful moment.

Theresa Shayo wins, and for a short while everything feels rather modern and exciting.

Then the nation pauses.

Not dramatically. More like a thoughtful pause, the kin...