Artists

Bi Kidude bint Baraka is Zanzibar's most famous cultural ambassador and East Africa's legendary barefoot diva of taarab and unyago traditional music.

Bi Kidude's exact date of birth is unknown, much of her life story is uncorroborated, giving her an almost mythical status. Kidude started out her musical career read more

Every year, during the week leading up to the festival, Sauti za Busara, in collaboration with the Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA), provides a great opportunity for local and foreign artists to come together, create unique sounds, practice joint, and finally. Performing together as a complete band.

Swahili Encounters 2024 read more

DJ Yusuf moved to Zanzibar in 1998 and set up Busara Promotions. Since 2004 he has been director of Sauti za Busara music festival. However, he still finds time to spin the discs at hotels, beach resorts and full moon parties around Zanzibar under the banner of Routes in Rhythm.

The read more

Established in Dar es Salaam during December 2006, Jahazi Modern Taarab group is currently the leading taarab group in Tanzania, with more fans than any other. Their success story can be attributed to Mzee Yusuf, the manager and owner who is also one of the pioneer musicians read more

Consisting of nine artists, Jagwa Music are the leading exponents of the Mchiriku style, which originated 20 years ago in the poor suburbs of Dar es Salaam; when cheap Casio keyboards first became available.

Jagwa Music and their peers were immediately attracted by the Casio’s lo-fi sound, adopted read more

Black Roots Cultural Group has been immersed in the islands' arts scene for many years. Apart from their regular drama plays broadcast on TV Zanzibar, the group is reinterpreting local traditional dances. The potent messages they convey through their music and drama reach all levels of society read more