Artists

Batimbo Percussion Magique is a fantastic traditional ngoma group from Burundi, a landlocked country in the African Great Lakes region of East Africa. Known for its massive drums and traditional ngoma styles, Batimbo Percussion Magique group showcases the unique cultures with strong identity of the Burundi people. They have read more

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

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

Born in 1974 in Marsabit, north-eastern Kenya, Bonaya Doti began his music career after years as a community activist for social change. He hails from the Konso, an ethnic group assimilated by the larger Borana community. He sings in the Borana language, with its inimical afro-arabic Cushitic style. Whilst strongly read more