Sauti za Busara: More than just a music festival

The 2020 edition, which starts on 13 February, promises to deliver Afro-fusion, hip hop and electronic acts, with notable names making their debut at the festival, such as Guiss Guiss Bou Bess (Senegal), Mamy Kanouté (Senegal), Blinky Bill (Kenya), Wakazi (Tanzania) and Seun Olota (Nigeria), among others.

Planning a triumphant return are Mapanya Band (Zanzibar) and Siti & The Band (Zanzibar), both regarded as some of the most promising bands from the East African archipelago.

"International music festivals like Busara are an integral part of young musicians' development," Mapanya band manager Faudhia Zango told Music In Africa. "It's a great platform for young and developing artists to network with more successful artists who can influence their future trajectory." 

Sauti za Busara founder Yusuf Mahmoud says as much as the festival prides itself in showcasing big live acts from across Africa, its core goal is to programme emerging talent and encourage collaborations under the Swahili Encounters project. 

“It is the new generation who keep our festival fresh, relevant and exciting for the more adventurous music explorers," he said. "We believe the mix and ratio of local, regional and international artists and audiences at Sauti za Busara are key to its success.

“We give priority to original musicians demonstrating quality, innovation, energy, excitement and positive messages for society. Audiences have grown to appreciate this and trust in our curation and programming. This encourages us to take more risks and always ensure that young, new and upcoming talents are included.” 

Siti & The Band is an example of a group that gained international recognition after performing at Sauti za Busara in 2018. Since then, the taarab fusion outfit has performed at the DOADOA performing arts market (Uganda), Music In Arica's ACCES conference (Kenya edition), Felabration (Nigeria), the Indian Ocean Music Market (Reunion), Visa For Music (Morocco), Moshito (South Africa) and The Music Imbizo (South Africa).

 “After this year's festival, we believe that TaraJazz, another young group of incredibly talented musicians, will be well set to be the next local success story,” Mahmoud says.

Meanwhile, the festival’s artist-focused initiative, Movers and Shakers, has been upgraded to include a workshop and panel discussion.

The workshop takes place on 14 February and will be facilitated by Akum Agency head Jess White. The topics to be covered include Artist Management Basics, EPK Tips, Digital Distribution, How to Approach Festivals and Music Trade Events.

Movers and Shakers will also look at gender discrimination and sexual harassment in the music industry under the theme, Raise Your Voice, Say No to Sexual Harassment with a panel discussion set for 15 February. The panellists are Thaïs Diarra (Switzerland), Carine Tredgold (Zimbabwe), Aziza Ongala (Tanzania) and Ruckhusana Mhagama (Tanzania).

“Sexual harassment is a global problem," White said. "The responsibility is with us men to listen to women demanding change, to create the change they want to see, ensure women feel safe in all spaces and support them to have the same opportunities in work and life as their male counterparts.”

Siti & The Band bandleader Siti Amina says she has experienced abuse and sexual harassment first hand. "I was a victim at the start of my career. I believe the discussion is an excellent place to start. Moving forward, we should think about creating a safe space for victims to report, get counselling and then be confident and independent," she said.

Movers and Shakers will conclude with a 16 February session featuring Mehdi Qamoum (Morocco), KOG (Ghana/UK) and Sibusiso 'Mash' Mashiloane (South AFrica), who will share their career stories and experiences.

The 2020 edition of Sauti za Busara will also pay tribute to African musicians who passed away in 2019 and 2020, including Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Ayub Ogada (Kenya), Dorothy Masuka (South Africa), Simaro Massiya Lutumba (DRC), Johnny Clegg (South Africa), Abdallah Matimbwa (Tanzania), Makame Faki (Tanzania) and Joseph Shabalala (South Africa).

Mahmoud says that apart from music and entertainment, the festival also offers numerous business opportunities for the locals.

"Before Sauti za Busara opened its doors 17 years ago, February was a quiet time for tourism but this has changed and it is now the highest season, with visitors coming from all over the world,” he said.