Open call: Sauti za Busara 2026

Preference will be given to:

• Unique music with cultural identity that is connected to Africa.
• Women artists, or groups led by women.
• Young, new and emerging talents.
• Music with messages that are positive, relevant and useful to society.
• Music that is performed 100% live.

To support an application, artists are encouraged to upload their profiles on the Music In Africa website. They should register here to upload their profiles. Music In Africa is the leading information and exchange platform for African artists. A Music In Africa profile acts as an EPK (electronic press kit). The profile will greatly enhance artists’ global visibility and possibly lead to bookings beyond Sauti za Busara.

How to apply

To apply to participate, artists should send all the below documents. All supporting documents must be clearly labeled and uploaded on WeTransfer/Dropbox/Google Drive and the link/s should be put into application form fields.

• Recent live performance video links (maximum two clips).
• Latest audio (MP3) release (maximum two songs).
• Two promotional photos (high-resolution).
• Link to artist’s profile on the Music In Africa website (optional).
• Stage plan and technical rider.

The deadline for applications is 31 July 2025.

If selected, Sauti za Busara will cover the following expenses for participating artists (+ one crew member):

• Modest honorarium, aka performance fee.
• Per-diems, for meals and incidentals.
• Accommodation in Zanzibar.
• All local transport related to the performance.
• Tanzanian visa costs.
• Festival passes, including access to all shows for the duration of the event.
• Invitations to Movers & Shakers (networking for professionals), press conferences and other events.
• Artist’s profile in festival programmes, press releases, website and social media platforms.
• Travel sponsor logo with link on the Sauti Za Busara website, festival programmes and social media.

Sauti za Busara is renowned as East Africa’s premier music festival. Held annually in February, the festival has become a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s cultural calendar. Over the years, it has featured over 460 bands from more than 60 countries, spanning genres from traditional taarab and jazz to Afrobeats, reggae, hip hop, and electronica.

View the original call here.