“It was a weekend that had love hanging in the air as couples kicked off with the celebration of Valentine’s Day. Even with dropping sponsorship that threatens the survival of the festival, everything was in place to make sure the 10th anniversary sailed through without any hitches.” Citizen Newspaper, Tanzania.
From 14-17 February, thousands of music lovers from all over the world beat a path to Stone Town, Zanzibar for the Sauti za Busara, East Africa’s biggest musical extravaganza. Record numbers booked a date with Africa’s iconic music event, widely referred to as the friendliest festival on the planet.
Twenty four groups and over 200 performers showcased on the main-stage and a street road show weaved through the streets with give-aways including free tickets for Zanzibaris. At the festival in the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) each performance was original, inspiring and delivered a unique African contemporary or traditional sound, all epitomizing the ethos of the festival: Sounds of Wisdom.
Festival audiences 2013
Cheikh Lo (Senegal)
The festival also screened three feature-length films about African music: Omar Sosa’s Souvenirs from Africa,Benda Bilili! and United States of Africa. The films provided the audience with a different way to appreciate the richness and diversity of African music, and the strength for positive social change that is inherent in music. Busara Promotions extends deep appreciation to all the crew and the audience from near and far who came to enjoy, create, share and experience African Music under African Skies. Busara Promotions gives special thanks to all the artists:
Enjoy the best moments from the special edition celebrating 10years anniversary, Sauti za Busara 2013: Photo Gallery: photos from some of the audiences favorite performances
This year Movers and Shakers sessions for media and arts professionals had a special focus on freedom of expression. Under the title “Speaking Truth to Power,” musicians and artists had a panel discussion touching on censorship issues, the challenges musicians face when they speak up against the powers-that-be in their countries, and the importance of protecting artistic freedom of expression.
Zimbabwean rapper and poet Comrade Fatso, who is excluded from national radio and television in Zimbabwe, participated on the panel on Saturday and then wowed the crowd with his energetic performance on Sunday. The festival invited several artists to perform at the festival who have been subjected to censorship in other African countries, including the Malian singer Khaïra Arby from Timbuktu who performed on the last day of the event.
The Movers and Shakers sessions also devoted time to discuss “What’s New in African Music”, giving participants an opportunity to share information on the best new African music websites, platforms, and networks, to learn about developing trends and opportunities in the arts, and to find out more about initiatives coming up in East Africa. The last day featured a Q&A panel with festival artists.
Sauti za Busara festival created a lot of buzz in East Africa and beyond.
Night audiences
Comrade Fatso (Zimbabwe)
Khaira Arby (Mali)
For other stories, reviews and blogs, take a look at our Media Coverage page. Highlights include:
Sauti za Busara 2013: Full Mzuka! by Nils von der Assen This Is Africa 7 March, 2013
We are halfway through the closing night of Sauti za Busara and an audience of thousands holds its collective breath, moved as it is by the powerful voice and performance ….read more
We encourage all the festival visitors to complete a brief audience survey online at http://busaramusic.org/feedback/feedback_2013.php . This will help us improve the festival next year. Please complete the survey by Sunday 17th March 2013.
Busara Promotions would like to acknowledge the generous support of donors and sponsors, without whom Sauti za Busara 2013 would not have been possible.
With thanks:
Ultimate Security, Monsoon Restaurant, Alliance Francaise, Zanlink, SMOLE II, Emerson Spice, Allykeys, Archipeligo Restaurant, Mercury’s, Stone Town Cafe and ALL journalists and media who attended.
For more updates and photographs, visit our facebook page and share your favourite festival moments.
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