Sauti za Busara 2025 unveils artist line-up

The 2025 festival, running under the theme Voice for Peace, will bring together renowned and emerging bands from Africa, led by prominent artists such as Thandiswa Mazwai from South Africa, Blinky Bill from Kenya, and Tanzania’s Christian Bella & Malaika Band.

Since its inception in 2002, the festival has become a platform for emerging African artists to showcase their talents and connect with other artists both within and outside Africa.

“The festival focuses on the quality and diversity of music from across Africa, particularly highlighting female musicians and emerging talents with unique voices, powerful messages, and positive change,” Sauti za Busara festival director Journey Ramadhan said. “For Zanzibaris, this festival is an opportunity to showcase their rich culture, strengthen national identity, promote peace and unity, and inspire youth to take pride in their heritage. For Africans in general, it is a platform to celebrate the achievements of African arts and music, enhance relationships between nations, and inspire positive change through art.”

Sauti za Busara 2025 confirmed line-up:

• Thandiswa Mazwai (South Africa)
• Blinky Bill (Kenya)
• Christian Bella & Malaika Band (Tanzania)
• Bokani Dyer (South Africa)
• Frida Amani (Tanzania)
• Wura Samba (Nigeria)
• The Zawose Queens (Tanzania), Kasiva Mutua (Kenya)
• Zanzibar Taarab Heritage Ensemble (Zanzibar)
• Leo Mkanyia & Swahili Blues (Tanzania)
• Boukuru (Rwanda)
• Tryphon Evarist (Zanzibar)
• Charles Obina (Uganda)
• Baba Kash (Tanzania)
• Annakattoa & Bantu Sound (Zanzibar)
• Tarabband (Sweden)
• Assa Matusse (Mozambique)
• Mumba Yachi (Congo/Zambia)
• Nidhal Yahyaoui (Tunisia)
• Étinsel Maloya (Réunion)
• WD Abo (Sudan)
• B.Junior (Mayotte)
• uKhoiKhoi (South Africa)
• Joyce Babatunde (Cameroon)

To learn more about all the artists and groups that will perform next February, visit the official Sauti za Busara website.

Early bird tickets are available online through the Tukiio platform and the Sauti za Busara website.