Mnazi Mmoja to host Busara again

ZANZIBAR: The 23rd Sauti za Busara festival ended on a high note on Sunday night, with organisers confirming that the next edition will return to Mnazi Mmoja grounds from 11 to 14 March next year.

Festival Director Journey Ramadhani made the announcement while delivering the closing statement to the press, describing this year’s event as a success that had “won the hearts of many” despite the shift from its long-time home at the Old Fort.

“This was a new chapter for Busara. Moving from the Old Fort to Mnazi Mmoja was a big step, but the people responded in a powerful way. The grounds were full, the energy was right, and that gives us every reason to come back here next year,” Ramadhani said.

He confirmed that the 24th edition of the festival will once again be staged at Mnazi Mmoja.

“We are happy to announce that Sauti za Busara will take place from 11th to 14th March next year, right here at Mnazi Mmoja,” he said. “This space has proved that it can carry the spirit of Busara.” This year’s theme, “Let Them Shine”, set the tone for the four-day celebration of African music.

According to Ramadhani, the theme was reflected on stage in more ways than one.

“We said ‘Let Them Shine’, and they (children) truly did shine children, women and men,” he said. “One clear example was on the closing night when our headline artist, Salif Keita, was unable to perform due to illness. His band, made up of women musicians, stepped forward and performed his songs.

The crowd received them with awe. It was a powerful moment.” Ramadhani added that the festival remains committed to creating space for women and emerging artists. “Busara will continue to open doors. We believe in giving women and upcoming artists a platform to grow. That has always been our mission, and we are proud of how far we have come,” he said.

Among the performers on the final night was Mehmet Polat, who described his time in Zanzibar as unforgettable. “It has been such a memorable experience to be here in Zanzibar and celebrate the diversity of music,” Polat said.

“You feel that music connects people beyond language and background.” He also spoke about the wider role of artists in society especially in inspiring the next generation. “Music must help build the next generation,” he said.

“As artists, we have a responsibility to support children as they grow Festival Director Journey Ramadhani made the announcement while delivering the closing statement to the press, describing this year’s event as a success that had “won the hearts of many” despite the shift from its long-time home at the Old Fort.

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“This was a new chapter for Busara. Moving from the Old Fort to Mnazi Mmoja was a big step, but the people responded in a powerful way. The grounds were full, the energy was right, and that gives us every reason to come back here next year,” Ramadhani said.

He confirmed that the 24th edition of the festival will once again be staged at Mnazi Mmoja.

“We are happy to announce that Sauti za Busara will take place from 11th to 14th March next year, right here at Mnazi Mmoja,” he said.

“This space has proved that it can carry the spirit of Busara.” This year’s theme, “Let Them Shine”, set the tone for the four-day celebration of African music. According to Ramadhani, the theme was reflected on stage in more ways than one. “We said ‘Let Them Shine’, and they (children) truly did shine children, women and men,” he said.

“One clear example was on the closing night when our headline artist, Salif Keita, was unable to perform due to illness. His band, made up of women musicians, stepped forward and performed his songs.

The crowd received them with awe. It was a powerful moment.” Ramadhani added that the festival remains committed to creating space for women and emerging artists. “Busara will continue to open doors. We believe in giving women and upcoming artists a platform to grow. That has always been our mission, and we are proud of how far we have come,” he said.

Among the performers on the final night was Mehmet Polat, who described his time in Zanzibar as unforgettable. “It has been such a memorable experience to be here in Zanzibar and celebrate the diversity of music,” Polat said.

“You feel that music connects people beyond language and background.” He also spoke about the wider role of artists in society especially in inspiring the next generation. “Music must help build the next generation,” he said.

“As artists, we have a responsibility to support children as they grow through their talents whether in music, sport or any other field. It is their right to be heard, and it is our duty to listen.”through their talents whether in music, sport or any other field. It is their right to be heard, and it is our duty to listen.”