ZANZIBAR: AS the sun began to rise over the magical island of Zanzibar, a wave of excitement and anticipation gripped the air.
February 1 marked the highly awaited opening of the 22nd edition of Sauti za Busara, a festival that has become a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s cultural calendar.
This year, the event was set to be a true testament to the power of music, community and tradition everything was perfectly aligned for an unforgettable experience.
And it all began with the iconic carnival parade, an electrifying and joyful procession that would set the tone for the three-day celebration. The Sauti za Busara opening parade was nothing short of mesmerising. A vibrant and heartwarming display of the island’s energy, the parade featured over a thousand children, men and women marching from Mapinduzi Square, snaking through the bustling streets of Stone Town and winding their way down to Mkunazini.
The crowd moved with a rhythm and joy that was contagious, with every beat of the drum echoing through the streets and compelling everyone to join in. It was a visual and auditory feast a celebration of life in full colour.
The procession, alive with the sound of traditional music, included dancers adorned in black body paint, their skin glistening in the sun, pointing up their strength as they performed intricate, spirited dances.
The unity of movement in each group was evident: every step, every beat was executed with a deep connection to the rhythms of their ancestors. It was a stunning spectacle of power and grace, an embodiment of the cultural pride of Zanzibar.
Children, their faces beaming with happiness, waved small umbrellas, danced along to the rhythms and led the way.
The entire crowd, both participants and onlookers, seemed to move in a collective harmony, filled with smiles and an infectious joy.
The colours of the parade were as varied as the cultures and traditions that filled the streets: reds, blacks, blues and yellows adorned the dancers’ costumes, flowing as they moved through the streets. The beauty of the people and their clothes was a sight to behold an explosion of hues against the backdrop of Stone Town’s ancient, historic buildings.
But it wasn’t just the dancers who captivated the crowd. As the parade moved toward Forodhani Garden, another unexpected treat emerged. Acrobats in blue t-shirts and yellow pants took centre stage, performing gravity-defying feats that left the crowd in awe.
Walking on their hands with their feet held high, they effortlessly executed stunts that looked deceptively simple but were, in reality, feats of courage, strength and precision.
As a child, I had tried a few of these acrobatic tricks myself, only to remember the painful dislocation of my left hand a memory I’m not eager to repeat, but it reminded me of the sheer bravery these performers displayed.
The mood of the parade was as much about celebration as it was about unity. Even those who weren’t part of the parade couldn’t help but be drawn in by the parade’s infectious energy.
Locals and tourists alike lined the streets, with many pulling out their phones and cameras, capturing the exuberant scenes as they unfolded. The parade was not just a spectacle it was an invitation to experience the vibrancy of Zanzibar in its purest form.
As the parade made its way through the streets, drawing crowds in its wake, the Sauti za Busara festival began to take shape. At the Old Fort, the festival team was hard at work with ticketing and preparations, ensuring that everything was in place for the opening night.
Meanwhile, the buzz of excitement was palpable as the main stage in Stone Town prepared to host one of the most eagerly awaited performances of the year.
Sauti za Busara is known for bringing together a diverse range of musical talent and 2025 was no exception. This year’s festival theme, “Voices for Peace,” was a timely and powerful reminder of music’s ability to unite, heal and inspire.
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The Festival Director Journey Ramadhani, to Daily News “Sauti za Busara is more than just a festival it’s a celebration of life, culture and unity. With live performances from some of the finest musicians across Africa, it provides a platform for both renowned stars and emerging talents to showcase their artistry. Over the years, the festival has grown into a cultural beacon, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the musical heritage of East Africa.
The parade, the performances, the energy everything about Sauti za Busara was a testament to the unifying power of music. Even after the parade, the atmosphere remained electric as people continued to gather in various parts of Stone Town, filling the streets with the sound of music, laughter and celebration. The Old Fort was the heart of the festival, but Zanzibar itself felt like a living, breathing part of the celebration, with every corner of the island pulsating to the beat of the music.
Managing Director of Busara Promotions, Lorenz Herrmann, expressed his team’s pride in bringing this festival to life for the 22nd time: “Welcome to a magic weekend on the magical island of Zanzibar filled with African music under African skies… Join us in these three days of true cultural celebrations under the theme of ‘Voices for Peace.’ United we dance! Karibuni nyote!”
