Sauti za Busara releases official 2018 line-up

The line-up features a diverse selection of artist from across the continent and diaspora. The main acts include Kasai Allstars (DRC), Zakes Bantwini (South Africa), Ribab Fusion (Morocco), Mlimani Park Orchestra (Tanzania). The organisers are yet to confirm the main headliner.

Sauti za Busara is known for celebrating Africa’s rich musical traditions and for bringing together a diverse audience from across the continent and beyond.

Sauti za Busara director Yusuf Mahmoud told Music In Africa that the festival would feature almost 50 performances on three stages as well as a number of other exciting activities in the heart of Stone Town.

“The festival will kick off with a special flash mob led by Haba na Haba contemporary dance troupe from Dar es Salaam. This will be followed by the highly anticipated Carnival Parade, stopping the traffic along its 2km route to Stone Town,” he said.

“On three stages over four days, the festival then promises 46 performances, 100% live, including 20 groups from Tanzania and more from South Africa, Zimbabwe, DRC, Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi, Egypt, Sudan, the Gambia, Reunion, Norway, Denmark and Switzerland.”

The festival, which will run under the theme United in Music, will also host the Movers and Shakers forum where artists, managers, the media and various other arts stakeholders will network and exchange ideas from 9 to 11 February.

“The daily Movers and Shakers sessions will bring together local and invited professionals to discuss industry issues, including topics such as how women’s presence in the music industry can be increased, music with a message, challenging the media industry to increase its airtime for African music with socially pertinent and conscious lyrics, and others,” Mahmoud said.

Impact of the festival

Commenting on the effectiveness of the festival to improve the African music scene, Mahmoud said: “Sauti za Busara creates opportunities for artists and practitioners to meet and learn from each other. It advances professionalism in Tanzania’s creative industries. Last but not least, our goal is to promote peace, unity and respect for cultural diversity.

“Last year’s festival generated an estimated $7.2m for the Zanzibar economy, while for the organisers, unfortunately, it failed to break even.”

Mahmoud said the festival was in need of additional funds and called upon potential funders to support the event.

“Income from tickets covers only 30% of costs, with the balance paid through donors and commercial sponsorship. This year, the festival is facing a potentially crippling shortfall. Busara still urgently needs partners and sponsors to be sure of going ahead in 2018,” he said.

Tickets for Sauti za Busara 2018 are available here. African passport holders and East African Community (EAC) residents will receive a 50% discount on all ticket purchases, while special prices are reserved for Tanzanian citizens. Early bird supersaver discounts are available for all nationalities until 31 October. In addition, the organisers are offering complimentary tickets with bulk bookings for hotels and tour operators.

Sauti za Busara 2018 line-up

East Africa:

• Msafiri Zawose (Tanzania)
• Kidum & the Boda Boda Band (Burundi/Kenya) 
• Mlimani Park Orchestra (Tanzania) 
• Mohamed Ilyas & Nyota Zameremeta (Zanzibar) 
• Matona's Cultural Band (Zanzibar/Tanzania) 
• Makadem (Kenya) 
• Inganzo Ngari (Rwanda) 
• Mzungu Kichaa (Tanzania/Denmark) 
• Segere Original (Tanzania) 
• Maia & the Big Sky (Kenya) 
• Maulidi ya Homu ya Mtendeni (Zanzibar) 
• CAC Fusion (Tanzania) 
• Isack Abeneko (Tanzania) 
• Grace Matata (Tanzania) 
• Safi Theatre (Tanzania) 
• Siti & the Band (Zanzibar) 
• Matona's Afdhal Group (Zanzibar/Norway)
• Mapanya Band (Zanzibar) 
• Zanzibar Taarab Ensemble (Zanzibar) 

Central Africa

• Kasai Allstars (DRC) 
• Alsarah & the Nubatones (Sudan/USA) 
• Simangavole (Reunion) 
• Kiltir (Reunion) 

Southern Africa

• Zakes Bantwini (South Africa) 
• Mangwenya Diana Samkange (Zimbabwe) 
• Mbanaye (Malawi) 
• Ernest Ikwanga (Malawi) 

West Africa

• Afrikan Boy (Nigeria/UK) 
• Jally Kebba Susso (Gambia) 

North Africa

• Ribab Fusion (Morocco) 
• Fatma Zidan (Egypt / Denmark) 
• El Dey (Algeria) 

Diaspora

• Simbin Project (Switzerland)