Sauti za Busara announces 2021 line‑up

The musicians were selected from more than 400 submissions from across the continent, Indian Ocean and African diaspora. 

Selected artists include Tanzania’s Barnaba Classic, Shabo Makota and Misoji Nkwabi as well as Zanzibar’s Siti Muharam, Stone Town Rockerz and Tofa Boy. Other musicians on the line-up include Dawda Jobarteh (the Gambia), Djam (Algeria), Dogo Fara (Reunion), Maallem Abdelkebir Merchane (Morocco), Milton Gulli (Mozambique), Morena Leraba (Lesotho), Sandra Nankoma (Uganda), Sika Kokoo (Ghana) and Yugen Blakrok (South Africa). 

“The unique mix of artists and audiences at Sauti za Busara is one of the main keys to our success,” Busara Promotions CEO and festival director Yusuf Mahmoud told Music In Africa. “We programme all styles of music connected to Africa, from traditional music to Afropop fusion, jazz, reggae, hip hop and electro. Focusing on the new generation keeps our festival fresh, relevant and exciting, rather than splashing out on big names, we give priority to young and emerging talents who play live music that is unique and identifies with African culture.”

He added: “With a smaller event in 2021, the main stage will host 14 performances over two days. Of these, half will represent Tanzania or East Africa, with two groups from North Africa, two from West Africa, three from Southern Africa and another to represent the Indian Ocean region.”

In August, the organisers announced that they would reduce the event's initial dates from four to two days due to lack of sponsorship. “We do still plan to go ahead with the daily Movers and Shakers networking sessions, which are important platforms for regional and international music professionals visiting the festival to connect and network," Mahmoud said.

Although the line-up is male-dominated, Mahmoud said the festival is still committed to improving gender equality in the music industry. 

“Our call for more female representation has certainly gained attention over the years. Slowly but surely, we are working towards a target of at least 40% performing groups at the festival being led by women. This is quite a challenge, as numbers in Tanzania are still small for women who create original music and perform live. I believe we also have the urgent responsibility to create opportunities for women behind the scenes, for example, in the production crew.”

Early bird supersaver tickets are available until 31 January 2021 here with a 50% discount for African nationals and East Africa residents. Become a sponsor or partner here.