TANZANIA: THE vibrant rhythms of Africa will once again converge on the historic island of Zanzibar as the Sauti za Busara Music Festival returns in February 2025.
This eagerly anticipated event, renowned as one of Africa’s premier music festivals, promises three days of exhilarating performances by over 400 artists and 27 live bands from more than 12 African countries.
A Celebration of African Music scheduled to commence on February 14th and culminate on the 16th, the festival is set against the enchanting backdrop of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s atmospheric heart.
Organised by Busara Promotions, the event has gained a stellar reputation for its dedication to showcasing authentic African music performed entirely live, with a rich tapestry of traditional instruments and contemporary sounds.
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Zakialulu Mdemu, the Marketing and Communications Manager of Busara Promotions, expressed high expectations for the upcoming festival, promising an even more spectacular experience than previous years.
“Every year,” Mdemu notes, “Sauti za Busara delivers a masterpiece for the diverse audience that gathers at four meticulously decorated stages.”
These stages include prominent locations like Forodhani, where local Zanzibari youth display breath taking acrobatic dives into the ocean, creating a mesmerising spectacle just before dusk.
Festival highlights and attractions
The festival’s lineup features performances across multiple stages, including two at Stone Town, one at Forodhani, and another at Fumba Town.
This diverse array of venues ensures that attendees can immerse themselves in the cultural vibrancy and musical diversity that define Sauti za Busara. According to Zakialulu Mdemu, the festival not only celebrates African musical heritage but also serves as a global attraction.
“Thousands of guests from around the world converge on Zanzibar,” Mdemu explains, “to experience the cultural richness and natural beauty that the island has to offer.”
New leadership, renewed vision
The 2024 festival marked a new chapter under the leadership of Managing Director Lorenz Herrmann, succeeding the festival’s founder and longtime CEO, Yusuf Mahmoud.
