Sauti za Busara opens as Busara, Fumba Town seal five-year deal

ZANZIBAR; SAUTI za Busara Festival officially kicked off yesterday evening in Stone Town, marking the start of its 23rd edition with the signing of a new five-year partnership agreement with Fumba Town–CPS, reinforcing a relationship that has already spanned the past three years.

The agreement, signed between Busara Promotions and Fumba Town, extends the collaboration for another five years, underlining longterm private sector confidence in Zanzibar’s flagship music and cultural festival.

Organisers said the partnership will strengthen the festival’s sustainability while expanding community-based cultural programmes beyond Stone Town.

Speaking during the official opening press conference held at the Park Hyatt Hotel, Busara Promotions Board Chairman Simai, Mohammed Saidi, said the renewed agreement reflects shared values around culture, inclusion and social responsibility.

“This partnership is not new; it has been growing over the past three years,” he said.

“What we are celebrating today is trust, consistency and a shared belief that culture can drive social and economic transformation in Zanzibar.”

Following the Board Chair’s remarks, Fumba Town–CPS Director, Tobias Dietzold said, the decision to extend the partnership was based on Busara’s longstanding impact and credibility.

“Today is not just about signing an agreement. It’s about recognising a journey that has been building for years,” he said.

“For more than two decades, the Busara team has invested passion, persistence and belief in Zanzibar’s cultural scene. That kind of commitment deserves real recognition.”

He added that Fumba Town will continue supporting Busara Plus events hosted in Fumba, which connect music, arts and community engagement. This year’s festival is held under the theme “Let Them (Children) Shine,” with a strong focus on child protection and gender equality.

As part of the gender and social inclusion package, UNICEF has joined the festival as a two-year partner, using music and creative spaces to promote children’s rights and challenge harmful social norms.

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UNICEF Tanzania Country Director Elke Wisch called on artists to use their platforms to protect and uplift children, while UNICEF Youth Advocate Nabiha Kassim highlighted music’s role in addressing violence, stigma and mental health challenges affecting young people.

“The festival theme reminds us that every child is born with potential, talent, and light. But for that light to shine fully, children must grow up feeling safe, protected, and supported, not only by their families and communities, but by all of us working together.

“UNICEF, together with the Government, partners and civil society organisations, works to strengthen the systems that children rely on supporting social services and child protection structures; improving access to quality education; and helping families and communities adopt positive parenting practices while abandoning harmful ones,” said Wisch.

Additional support comes from development partners including UN Women and the European Union, who praised the festival’s consistency and social impact. Festival Director Journey Ramadhan said the opening night signals more than entertainment.

“Sauti za Busara has become a platform for dialogue, identity and opportunity,” he said, as drums echoed through Stone Town to officially launch the 2026 celebrations.