Sauti za Busara – Official Site for Sauti za Busara 2013 advance ticket bookings

The Old Fort will host three nights of non-stop live music, with the main programme continuing Friday through Sunday with performances from 5pm until 1am.

Highlights of the festival include:

200 musicians: upcoming and established groups, acoustic and electric, from East Africa and beyond. 20+ groups all performing 100% live. In the Old Fort shows continue on the main stage Friday through Sunday with performances from 5pm ‘til 1am.

Best of the Best: - highlights and audience favourites of past festivals. 

African Music Films: documentaries, music videos and live concert footage.   

Festival marketplace: food and drinks, music CDs, jewellery, clothing and handicrafts.

Busara Xtra: around festival time the island is buzzing with a range of fringe events: traditional ngoma drum and dance, fashion shows, dhow races, open-mic sessions, after-parties and performances of Zanzibar’s oldest Taarab orchestras - all arranged by the local community. We recommend adding a week or more to your trip for unwinding at the beach, exploring cultural tours and safaris.

The main aim of Sauti za Busara (Sounds of Wisdom) is to bring people together and celebrate the wealth and diversity of African music. A majority of groups participating are from the Swahili speaking region, with some visiting artists from other countries. A rich and vibrant mix of styles is showcased each year, including traditional ngoma, taarab, kidumbak, mchiriku, rumba, "muziki wa dansi", Swahili hiphop "bongo flava", r’n’b, mystic and religious music, theatre, comedy and dance.

Intro photo @ Robin Batista
Gallery pictures @ Peter Bennett