Sauti za Busara Music Festival 2007 in Zanzibar

Zanzibar, Tanzania – The fourth edition of the Sauti za Busara music festival will take place in Zanzibar, February 9 -14th 2007; admission is free to all each day before sunset.

The festival includes 40+ groups, hailing from Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zimbabwe, West Africa and Europe.

Confirmed artists so far include: Africa Directions (zm), Amani Drummers of Burundi (bi), Annet Nandujja & The Planets (ug), Ba Cissoko (gn), Bi Kidude (znz), Black Roots (znz), Chibite (tz), Culture Musical Club (znz), Dhow Crossing (znz/no), Ellika & Solo (se/sn), Imena (rw), Jhikoman (tz), Kinobe & Soul Beat Africa (ug), Makadem ‘Ohanglaman’ (ke), Manyani Nani (tz), Matona & G-Clef (znz), Menwar (mu), Nazareth Choir (tz), Netsayi (zw/uk), Olith Ratego (ke), OSB Crew (mu), Qasida Swiffat Nabawiyyatul (znz), Shailja Patel (ke/ca), Shirikisho Sanaa (tz), Tamarind Band (tz), The Collaboration of Chiwoniso & Busi Ncube (zw), Yunasi (ke), Zemkala (tz).

Daily entrance will be charged from sunset. Non-resident prices are in US$ (for now) so international readers of the website and newsletters will have a better idea of the amounts. US$8 (Day Ticket) 4-day pass (with seating) US$20.

Additional events:

Carnival Parade with Beni Brass Band, stilt walkers + acrobats

Busara Xtra

With so many people in town all sorts of fringe events, activities and performances are organized by hotels, restaurants and businesses.

Film screenings

World première of “As Old As My Tongue: The Myth and Life of Bi Kidude”.

Swahili Encounters Workshop

The week before the festival, invited musicians get together to explore common ground and differences.

Seminar – Marketing East African Music

This is open to East African artists & music industry professionals only.

Photo Exhibition

Following the interest and response to the 2006 exhibition “Where the music takes me”, and knowing that there are some fantastic snaps out there, the festival has invited photographers from all over the world to share their pictures of Zanzibari performers abroad and visiting performers in Zanzibar, for what promises to be a stimulating sequel.

Travel and Accommodation

For all travel and accommodation enquiries within Zanzibar and flights anywhere within Africa, the organizers recommend Zanzibar’s Tabasam Tours. They can arrange airport transfers, book accommodation and reserve 4-day passes. They provide a 5% discount on all accommodation bookings for festival-goers so long as at least one night coincides with the festival. Just ask for the “Busara Discount”.

Where It’s At

Sekembuke under blue skiesSauti za Busara music festival brings people together of all ages, in celebration of the wealth and diversity of Swahili music. Its reputation is growing fast. Festival Main Stage is constructed in between the banana trees, behind the ancient walls of Stone Town’s Old Fort, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.

Facing the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, with many of the world’s finest white sandy beaches within easy striking distance and average daily temperatures of around 30C, Zanzibar makes for an unbeatable location.

Early evening the waterfront gardens in front of the Fort come alive with the friendly banter of the Swahili- speaking locals and sizzling aromas of freshly grilled seafood. The people of East Africa look forwards with pride to February every year, when Zanzibar hosts “the friendliest festival on the planet.”

Festival 2007 sponsors so far include: Ford Foundation, Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation, Celtel Tanzania, Holiday Inn, British Council, Embassy of France, Art Moves Africa, CulturesFrance, fROOTS Magazine, Embassy of Germany, Archipelago Café & Restaurant, Mercury’s Restaurant, Tabasam Tours, Kendwa Rocks, Ultimate Security, Zanzibar Gallery, Jubilee Insurance, Roger Fenstein, and Zanzibar.NET

More information at: www.busaramusic.com.