ZANZIBAR: THE 21st Edition of Sauti za Busara was defined by the energy exuded by every artist who graced the stage.
The crowd at the jampacked Main Stage at the Old Fort was filled with excitement that could not be easily defined.
It was truly a memorable experience as all the artists had exceptional vocals and a unique way of connecting with the audience. Everything was performed live, with real instruments such as drums, guitar, and saxophone, unlike other music festivals where artists sing with computerised instruments in the background. Oliver Mtukudzi’s daughter brings back her father’s memory on stage.
One of the standout performers on the first day was Selmor Mtukudzi, a renowned artist from Zimbabwe and daughter of the late Zimbabwean legend Oliver Mtukudzi. Along with delivering a lively performance of her songs, she also paid tribute to her father’s memory.
During her time on stage, she performed two of her most beloved songs, “Todii” and “Neria”, and her rendition was exceptional, evoking the same emotions as if her father were performing live on stage once again. Remarking on her experience in the mega music festival, she highlighted it feels an honour to be in Zanzibar and perform at Sauti za Busara.
“I am honoured to be in Zanzibar, it’s my first time participating at Sauti za Busara. I attempted to make an application several times, but unfortunately I was not selected. Getting this opportunity to be at this remarkable stage gives me a unique excitement.” Selmor musical journey started at the age of 10 when her father, the late Zimbabwean superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, took her to her first studio recording session for the movie soundtrack, I Am The Future.
She has won numerous awards in her home country and abroad including the USA and nominations in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Her long-awaited debut album ‘Shungu’, came in 2008 and it carried hits like Chiro, Iwewe Neni, Shungu, and a rendition of the hit song Handiende, previously done by Steve Makoni and Oliver Mtukudzi.
She went on to release a total of six, widely acclaimed albums, which include her live albums. In addition to her passion for music, Selmor’s efforts span into humanitarian work. In 2015, she came together with eight other leading female artists from Africa and collaborated on a song titled “Strong Girl,” which they used to promote the campaign #PovertyIsSexist across the world asking world leaders to tackle poverty by addressing gender equality.
Other than her father’s songs that turned the audience wild, she performed a song called Chiro. The song brought a lot of life and connection with the audience as she taught her audience different moves, she even made the audience move their waists along with her. Showing how she can connect with the audience, she even brought a few of the music fans on the stage to dance with her, Chiro.
Sholo Mwamba delivers a powerful performance During the event, Sholo Mwamba, like Selmor, delivered a classy performance. Sholo Mwamba, a multiaward-winning figure in Singeli, is a genre-bending, uptempo musician who gave his best performance of the night.
Even though he was the last performer of the night, his energetic and passionate performance made it feel like the show was yet to conclude. The jampacked audience from different parts of the globe danced non-stop despite not all understanding the Swahili lyrics.
In the middle of his act, he called for cultural tolerance for people of all ethnicities. His performance earned a standing ovation from the audience. His performance was proof that Sholo Mwamba is a popular Singeli artist known for his high-energy performances and flamboyant stage costumes.
He has a widespread following in Tanzania and across the East African region, where he has performed for fans of all kinds, including heads of state. He pointed out his singeli is a unique genre of music that originates in Tanzania and evolves from a combination of chiriku, Wazaramo coastal sounds, segere and bongo flava.
“Singeli is known for its energetic and fast-paced rhythms, which are often repetitive, with rapid-fire vocals that tell humorous but relevant stories.” Dogo Fara make crowd go wild More performances brought life to the festival including a performance that was delivered by a group from Reunion Island, Dogo Fara. One of the band members, Enprin Naxence asserted Dogo Fara means “Little rock” in Bambara, one of the languages spoken in West Africa by the Mandingue people.
A joyful and original mix of Reunionese, African, and Western instruments and rhythms. They had only one idea in mind: to work on the instrument and mix it with Reunionese music and Western instruments to give birth to the music of DOGO FARA! It is a highly explosive and furiously festive mix, a real trip around the world where through their performance, they brought the music to life, and the crowd went wild as the fans sang and danced along. Dogo Fara leaned forward to take control of the entire crowd on the main stage.
They had the fans wave their hands up in the air, to the left and right. Their music was a blend of different styles, including jazz and reggae. In addition to their unique control of the crowd, they also used a variety of musical instruments to add a distinct flavour to their performance.
Earlier, there were two performances at the Forodhani stage, featuring Sibu Manaï from Reunion Island and a Tanzanian cultural group called Africulture. These performances took place after a parade from Kisonge to Old Fort, which was attended by thousands of music fans.
The parade covered miles of white sandy beaches, palm trees and clear azure waters, and was made colourful by a group of men who walked shirtless and painted in black or green, and a few ladies who dressed in cultural attire.
The opening was made by Sibu Manaï of Reunion Island. She is a French popkreol artist, songwriter, singer, and musician who defines her musical project as “a meeting ground between her island and the rest of the world.” Her sound identity blends pop-soul, electro-funk and Reunionese music, and her new songs proclaim this with undeniable strength and sensitivity.
Sibu Manaï chooses the right emotional blend, with her bias never to lose the Reunionese thread that guides her and invites her to produce crossbred music.
“Sibu Mana’” is a Mentawaii adage meaning “cherish the flower within you.” It finds its incarnation in this artist, a luminous character who looks at the world that fascinates her with infinite gratitude.
After the opening, a Tanzanian cultural group called Africulture took the stage. Africulture is a group of energetic and fresh young artists from the Coast Region, Bagamoyo.
They officially started the group in 2005 after some of them completed their studies at Bagamoyo College of Arts. Their music draws inspiration from traditional music styles from Tanzanian tribes and other African tribes of Eastern, Western and Southern origin.
Their sound is driving and syncopated and gets people to dance like nothing else.
Africulture has performed in East Africa and Europe, including Alliance Francaise (Kenya), Bagamoyo International Festival (Tanzania), Zanzibar International Film Festival (Zanzibar), Haba na Haba International Contemporary Dance Festival (Tanzania), Green Piece Festival (Tanzania), Kendwa rocks full moon party (Zanzibar), Dusud festival (France and Spain), Musclerock Tylolen festival (Sweden), and Surajkund festival (India), among many others. Besides their performing career, Africulture hosts community theatre for educating and entertaining and offers classes for school students, tourists and volunteers.
