Sauti za Busara organisers honoured at Tanzania Music Awards

The recognition is for Busara Promotions’ contribution to the Tanzanian and African music industries through its internationally recognised festival held every February in Stone Town, Zanzibar.

Speaking after receiving the accolade at the awards ceremony in the capital Dar es Salaam on 29 April, Busara Promotions project manager Journey Ramadhan pledged to continue working on promoting and celebrating the cultural and creative economy.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan and all stakeholders for appreciating the importance of music and arts,” Ramadhan said.

“Busara Promotions’ team acknowledges the commitment of the government and its partners in developing the arts and cultural industry in the country. We will keep on promoting cultural diversity and building our identity so that we can have a heritage to leave behind for the next generations.”

Ramadhan added that the festival had set out a more proactive approach to encourage increased women participation, with a target to increase the number of female-led performing groups from 14% during the 2021 edition to 40% by 2024.

This is the second accolade Busara Promotions has received after it was presented with the World Shaker Award at the 2007 BBC World Music Awards in London, UK.

Sauti za Busara was established in 2003 with the aim of promoting and professionalising the African music sector and providing more opportunities for artists.

For 20 years now, the festival has contributed significantly to the development of Tanzanian music by allowing artists to showcase their talents in front of an international audience. The festival attracts thousands of visitors from around the world, who visit Zanzibar and other Tanzanian destinations, thus contributing to the East African country’s tourism industry.

In preparation for Sauti za Busara’s 21st edition, which will take place at the Old Fort of Stone Town from 9 to 11 February, Busara Promotions is inviting artists to apply for an opportunity to perform at the festival. Interested musicians need to complete the application form via the Busara Promotions website before 31 of July.