Artists

Almost a century ago, Zanzibari singer Siti Binti Saad reimagined what had been formal court music into a private form of improvisation, laced with a spirit of inclusivity that combined Arabic and Swahili lyrics. In doing so, she paved the way for other female taarab singers, including Bi Kidude.

In turn, read more

More famously known for the annual colourful Mwaka Kogwa (Shirazi New Year) cultural celebrations, the small fishing town of Makunduchi on the south-eastern tip of Zanzibar is also home to Kiongoni School, where young talent is overflowing. Placing a priority on fostering cultural pride from a young age, the school read more

The Sowers Group fuse East African gospel harmonies with contemporary grooves and traditional rhythms from DR Congo, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania.

Their first album, 70x7 was mixed and mastered in South Africa. Their more recent album, Cheza! (Dance!), was produced under Australia's Translator Records and is now available worldwide.

The Sowers Group read more

Splendid Theatre group was initiated as an idea by Ramadhani Maneno (Pendapenda) during 1997. Ramadhani's career as an artist started when he was a mere nine years old, displaying his dancing skills at various parties in his neighbourhood of Dar es Salaam. At the age of thirteen, he was selected read more

Over 70 years ago in 1936 Staff Band Namasabo was first formed, known then as the Huni Band. The aim was to bring together people in celebration of the customs and culture of Ukerewe. Just 45km off the coast of Mwanza, Ukerewe is the largest island of read more

Stara is fine example of the new generation of artists in Tanzanian modern music. She sings r'n'b, soul and zouk in Swahili language.

Originally from Mwanza District, Stara began singing at the age of seven and whilst still at secondary school was performing on stage with other well established Tanzanian groups read more