Zanzibar is a nice surprise because it brings bizarre forms to a category of typefaces with too many traditions and sometimes quite boring forms.
It’s a sort of calligraphic typeface that is not directly influenced by writing. The calligraphy is found in a collection of playful details incorporated into a real true typeface. Like Madisonian by Thierry Puyfoulhoux, Zanzibar is an italic that is very structured without losing the charm of a good italic. It’s a controlled italic. The black and white rhythm of the “repetitive” counters, good proportions, and good spacing, makes a professional face.
Jean François Porchez created the typefaces for Le Monde and the Paris métro, and more recently for the Baltimore Sun, Beyoncé Knowles, Costa Crocieres, and Louis Vuitton. He offers his retail typefaces at typofonderie.com. Porchez is Honorary President of the ATypI and was ATypI President from 2004–2007. He was awarded the Prix Charles Peignot in 1998.
Really nice font.
It also reminds me Berthold Poppl Exquisit.
This face is extremely similar to Lucian Bernhard’s “COMMUNITY” designed way back in the ’50s. It was one of the “Magnetype” collections. I have the actual brochure it was published in. Coincidentally I have been working to revive it, but came across this on this site. If any one cares to see it, I can upload a jpg of it.