Where music, culture dance together

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR, a place where spice-scented winds meet the rhythmic pulse of the Indian Ocean, became the heart of something truly unique during the inaugural FuTopia Festival.

Held in Fumba Town, nestled just steps from the beach, this three-day extravaganza brought together people from all walks of life, uniting them under the banner of music, celebration and the spirit of togetherness.

The stage was set for something extraordinary, and what followed was nothing short of magical.

The festival kicked off with an electrifying performance by Damian Soul, the Tanzanian artist whose presence on stage has become synonymous with power, soul, and authenticity.

Sol was a fitting opener for FuTopia, not just because of his remarkable talent, but also because of the significance of his return to Fumba Town.

Ten years ago, when the real estate project here was just beginning, Damian had performed for the first time at Fumba. Now, a decade later, he was back at the heart of the island for the festival’s very first edition.

“I have had the honour of being part of this community for a long time,” Damian said in an interview with ‘Sunday News’. “It feels special to be here again, performing in the inaugural FuTopia festival, and also to remember the beginning of Fumba Town.”

His live performance was an exhibition of musical excellence: no backing tracks, no pre- recorded beats just the real thing. The sound of drums, guitars, and his powerful vocals filled the air, creating an electric atmosphere that swept through the crowd.

The audience was transported, lost in the music, swaying with the rhythm of the waves that could be felt in the air. Even when he took a brief pause from singing, the instruments kept the vibe alive, maintaining the energy that Damian Soul is known for.

As he wrapped up his set, Damian engaged with the crowd in a way only a seasoned performer could. “Is it enough?” he asked. The response was deafening “No!” came the unified cry from the audience. The energy was undeniable, and Damian delivered more, keeping the crowd on their feet, feeding off the enthusiasm that only a live audience can give.

With the stage set, Damian passed the baton to the next act Wamoto Music Group, a contemporary band whose blend of Singeli and electric beats captured the crowd’s attention with their vibrant energy.

Led by vocalists Susan Raban and Nasma Omary, the group was joined by DJ Happiness Nicholas, whose charismatic presence added an extra layer of excitement. With their high-energy performance, they proved that music transcends borders, even as the audience at FuTopia was wonderfully diverse.

Susan Raban spoke candidly after the performance, reflecting on the challenge of performing to a crowd of varied backgrounds. “It’s not easy to connect with such a diverse audience,” she explained.

“Most of the time, our fans are from Dar es Salaam, and their energy is very different. But here, we had to really listen, to feel the crowd, to understand what they needed. And when we connected, it was magic.”

Nasma Omary, her fellow vocalist, smiled as she recalled the overwhelming energy from the audience. “We didn’t expect that level of connection, but it was beautiful. It took us to another level. The way the crowd responded, it made us feel like we were truly one with them.”

The crowd’s synchronized movements, led by the calls of the band to their left or right, demonstrated the power of music in breaking down cultural barriers.

As the night progressed, the surprises kept coming. Warriors from the East, a family group from Arusha, brought their unique Maasai flair to the stage.

Dressed in traditional attire, the group’s performance was a blend of traditional drums, guitar, and vocals, but with a twist of modern rhythm. Their performance was electric, but what truly stole the show were the youngest members of the family.

Two children, a Standard Four pupil and a Standard Six student, joined in, showcasing their talent on guitar and piano, with the younger of the two taking the spotlight as both vocalist and pianist.

Their presence added an innocence and charm to the performance that left the crowd in awe. The energy in the air was palpable, with the audience roaring their approval at the family’s unified performance, which transcended generations and proved that talent is timeless.

But FuTopia was far from over. Next to take the stage was Tryphon Evarist from Zanzibar, who blended traditional Zanzibar Flava with the soulful sounds of taarab. His unique mix captivated the crowd, and his ability to switch up his style mid-performance only strengthened the connection between him and the audience.

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After a brief moment of uncertainty, Tryphon adjusted his sound to the crowd’s vibe, and the response was electric.The crowd here has been amazing, he said in a post-performance interview. The energy, the location everything about FuTopia has been special.

As the night wore on, DJ Kassim Mbarak Harith, aka DJ KCM, closed out the evening with a spectacular performance that merged electronic beats with live instruments, including his own guitar and piano. DJ KCM wasn’t just spinning tracks he was telling a story, one that reflected his creativity and deep connection to the music.

“This is my own composition, my own sound,” he explained, as his innovative performance took the audience on a journey. The crowd, drawn into the energy of his unique style, danced and swayed to every beat.

The inaugural FuTopia Festival proved to be more than just a series of performances. It was a celebration of music’s power to unite people, of culture’s ability to bridge divides, and of the timeless connection that exists between artists and their audiences.

The festival was a testament to the rich tapestry of Zanzibar’s spirit one woven with music, joy, and the understanding that, no matter where we come from, we are all connected through the beat of a drum and the power of a song.

In the days that followed, as the final notes faded into the Zanzibar night, FuTopia had already etched itself into the island’s cultural calendar a festival destined to return and one that promises to grow, evolve, and continue its celebration of life through music.