ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO STEPS BACK
Busara Promotions is a not-for-profit NGO, promoting respect for cultural diversity and offering professional employment opportunities in an East African music industry in exchange with other regions. Its flagship event is Sauti za Busara, a pan-African music festival that has taken place in Zanzibar during February every year since 2004 (except 2016).
Including all salaries and office rent, operational costs for the NGO are $10k/month, as was mostly covered by the Norwegian Embassy from 2009 until March 2022. Since April 2022, the NGO was supported by Pennyroyal Ltd., trading as Blue Amber Zanzibar, as part of a 3-year agreement until March 2025.
Blue Amber’s 99-year lease has been suspended by local authorities, with orders to cease constructions due to an ongoing land dispute. On 30 August, Busara Promotions received official notification its sponsorship by Blue Amber is terminated, “with immediate effect”.
Once again, our future is uncertain. No funds exist to keep the office running after September.
Preparations for a special Sauti za Busara 20th edition in 2023 had been progressing well. Musicians from across the Continent confirmed participation, tickets were selling and excitement rising.
As all are aware, Sauti za Busara brings immeasurable social, cultural and economic benefits to the region. Festival sponsors and partners are guaranteed wide visibility across a variety of media platforms; please contact us urgently if you are interested to collaborate.
Emergency discussions are ongoing, with government authorities, business leaders and public institutions. On 15th September, the Board and management of Busara Promotions will make a final decision whether or not it is possible to continue.
In case the festival has to be cancelled, all who already bought tickets shall be fully reimbursed.
Yusuf Mahmoud
CEO & Festival Director