Sauti za Busara is one of Africa’s top music festivals, held every February in Stone Town, Zanzibar. It’s organised by Busara Promotions, non-profit NGO.
Sauti za Busara is hugely popular with local audiences and attracts visitors from all over the world. During 11 years our aim has been to showcase great and diverse music from the African Continent and diaspora. From 2015, the programme will also include music from the Arab World and Indian Ocean.
For further information on Sauti za Busara including photo galleries, video highlights, media coverage and more, see www.busaramusic.org
Wanafunzi wa SOS (Zanzibar) at Sauti za Busara 2012
Safi Theatre Group (Tanzania) at Sauti za Busara 2013
For festival artists, we pay a modest performance fee and cover all local expenses in Zanzibar, including accommodation, transport, visa, food and incidentals. Artists from outside the region may be required to assist in finding their own travel sponsors.
When selecting artists, we give priority to:
East African music
Music from African Continent and diaspora, Arab World and Indian Ocean
Artistic quality
Gender balance
Sounds of Wisdom (eg. music with a message)
Originality, creativity and innovation
Young and emerging talents
Musical diversity ("traditional" and electric, rural and urban)
Sauti za Busara seeks a variety of long and short quality films on music from the African Continent and diaspora, Arab World and Indian Ocean. These may be music clips, documentaries, or recorded concerts.
Foreign language films should include English or Swahili subtitles. Your film will only be considered if we have received the completed application, including two DVD copies of the film before 30th November 2014.
The festival offers a generous package of marketing benefits for all supporters. To request the 2015 Festival Sponsors Pack please email busara@busara.or.tz
Conscientious, motivated, confident to work alone and lead as part of a team?
To apply for this position, please email your CV to busara@busara.or.tz with a covering letter, outlining any special qualities you can bring to Busara Promotions, to reach our office before 19 June 2014.
The 17th edition of Zanzibar International Film Festival promises a fantastic selection of films, performances, workshops and more. Taking place in Stone Town, Zanzibar during 14 – 22 June 2014, you can find the full programme here:
Emerson D Skeens, founder member of Zanzibar International Film Festival, Dhow Countries Music Academy, Busara Promotions and other initiatives preserving Zanzibar’s rich cultural heritage, passed away on 31 May 2014, after a long battle with cancer. His warmth, generosity and passion for life is greatly missed – by all in Zanzibar and beyond. Babu Emerson, your work is done in this world and your legacy continues. Rest in Peace.
After long meetings and discussions with family members of Fatma Baraka Khamis, known worldwide as Bi Kidude (RIP), we are pleased to inform you on projects aiming to honour the memory of this great musical legend in Zanzibar.
Bi Kidude
Bi Kidude’s house will be renovated to become the Bi Kidude Museum, with photos, film clips, music recordings, instruments, information, clothes and other artefacts.
A proportion of revenues collected through ticket admissions, together with royalties from sales and broadcasts of her recordings will go to the Bi Kidude Memorial Fund, assisting local women and girls in the field of music.
A committee including family members and friends of Kidude will administer this fund.
Wanafunzi wa SOS (Zanzibar) at Sauti za Busara 2012
Safi Theatre Group (Tanzania) at Sauti za Busara 2013
Festival Audiences
Festival Audiences
Emerson D Skeens
Bi Kidude
Sunset Session at Sauti za Busara 2014
Maulidi ya Homu ya Mtendeni (Zanzibar)
