Artists

There are many beni bands on the island but this group is one of the best, and a must for any festival. Beni turned the inspiration of colonial military brass bands into a completely local thing, by bringing it into the realm of song and dance competitions. Played mostly at read more

British Council supports young emerging artists through their WaPi (Words and Pictures) programme that has provided platforms for youth to showcase their talents in many countries around Africa. In Tanzania, during 2009 WaPi has visited Iringa, Arusha and Mwanza as well as hosting regular events in Dar es Salaam and read more

WaPi (Words and Pictures) is a monthly arts festival organised by the British Council in Tanzania to develop relationships with young audiences, performers and artists. WaPi events provide a platform for new, raw creative talent from all art forms to perform and present to large audiences of young people.

WaPi has read more

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

The group’s name is derived from the Somali words bismillahi meaning “in the name of Allah” and gargar meaning ‘joining or bringing together’. Bismillahi Gargar is a collective group of women of Somali origin from Garissa, North Eastern Kenya.

Formed in 2003 with the purpose of reminding people of 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