Sauti za Busara: line-up announcement for 2019 edition

Considered one of Africa’s most-respected festivals, Sauti za Busara will feature 44 performances from artists across the African continent.

“Early in August, the festival selection committee rigorously reviewed all submissions received,” festival director Yusuf Mahmoud told Music In Africa.

“We tried our best to curate a balanced, diverse and dynamic programme that will be sure to touch, move and inspire our local and international audiences.”

The three available stages are set to come alive with the sounds of Mokoomba (Zimbabwe), Afrigo Band (Uganda), Fid Q (Tanzania), Fadhilee Itulya (Kenya), Ifrikya Spirit (Algeria), Rajab Suleiman and Kithara (Zanzibar), Tune Recreation Committee (South Africa), Ithrene (Algeria), Hoba Hoba Spirit (Morocco), M’Toro Chamou (Mayotte/Reunion), Trio Kazanchis +2 (Ethiopia/Switzerland), Faith Mussa (Malawi), Shamsi Music (Kenya), Sofaz ( Reunion), Dago Roots (Reunion), Lydol (Cameroun), S Kide and Wakupeti Band (Tanzania), Tausi Women’s Taarab (Zanzibar), Mkubwa na Wanawe Crew (Tanzania), Damian Soul (Tanzania), Jackie Akello (Uganda) and Wamwiduka Band (Tanzania), among many others.

Mahmoud said that a total of 500 entries were received this year. “This is a significant growth because last year we received 400 entries,” he said.

“However, it was evident that there is need to encourage more female musicians and bands who play quality original African music to apply for the festival. Also we noticed that most of the submitted promotional materials such as audio, video and pictures, were of poor quality.”

Organising such a festival is costly, and financially it has been a challenge for Mahmoud and his team. “It is tough to organise a successful festival with no funds,” he said.  

“We would like to feature major names as headlining artists but we have budget limitations. Thankfully, we do have a loyal and enthusiastic audience who always show up in large numbers and which that trusts the festival will be energising and inspiring, and they will see many fantastic artists they had never previously heard of.”

Mahmoud said the festival has contributed to the social cohesion and economic growth in Zanzibar since its inception in 2013.

“Most people on the island take great pride in the event, and greatly value the experiences of celebrating quality music from across the continent,” he said.

“Forty percent of our audiences return year on year. Not only from around East Africa; we also see people visiting regularly from across southern Africa, West Africa, Europe, USA, Canada, Japan and Australia.”

Another interesting highlight of the festival will be the daily Movers and Shakers sessions. This platform gives artists, managers, music promoters, media personnel and other music professionals the opportunity to connect for networking purposes and information exchange.

"This is a space where business deals are struck, collaborations are sealed and careers are taken to greater heights," Mahmoud said. 

“Our festival is one of very few events insisting that all performing artists are musically connected to Africa and that they perform live. So, the Movers and Shakers sessions ensure that art professionals meet to share a unique and magical experience of African music."

Sauti za Busara Festival 2019 is powered by the Norwegian Embassy, Embassy of Switzerland to Tanzania and Zambia, Zenj Digital Television, Zanlink, Memories of Zanzibar, Emerson Zanzibar, Embassy of France and Music In Africa.

For more info and tickets, visit, visit the Sauti za Busara official website and Facebook page.