2026 Sauti za Busara Festival st to light up Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR: THIS year’s Sauti za Busara Festival kicks off tomorrow in Zanzibar, with organisers confirming that all stages are set and a wide range of activities lined up for revellers and music lovers.

The Programmes Officer at Busara Promotions, Zakialulu Mdemu, confirmed that preparations are complete, with multiple stages ready to host performances alongside dialogue sessions, food experiences and recreational spaces designed to engage audiences beyond music alone.

She welcomed festival-goers as celebrations begin, noting that the official opening will be marked l by the much-anticipated carnival parade.

“The festival will kick off with a vibrant carnival parade that will start at Forodhani Gardens and make its way through Malindi and Darajani before concluding at Mnazi Mmoja, covering a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometres through the heart of Stone Town.”

For decades, Sauti za Busara has been recognised as one of Africa’s leading cultural festivals, bringing together artists and audiences from East, West, Southern and North Africa.

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Built on a deep love for music and culture, the festival has consistently embraced diversity and unity, celebrating the richness of African sounds against the iconic backdrop of Zanzibar’s beaches.

This year, the festival places renewed emphasis on social change, using its cultural platform to address pressing issues such as ending violence against women and girls, advancing women’s leadership, and promoting national initiatives aimed at community wellbeing.

“Our platform allows us to reach thousands of people through culture,” said Mdemu.

“By integrating these activations into the festival experience, we help amplify awareness of One-Stop Gender Centres and essential support services offered by the Government of Zanzibar, while celebrating leadership, resilience and equality.”

About 400 artists will colour the festival from 21 countries with Selif Keita from Mali being the headline artist, other main cards include Tanzanian stars Ben Pol and Man Fongo.