Artists

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

Stone Town Rockerz features band members from various parts of Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar, who met and joined at the Dhow Countries Music Academy. With their diverse cultural influences, this makes their music unique as they also combine local rhythms with afrobeat and Latino and western styles such as rock, read more

Supa Kalulu makes pure joy contagious, breathing new life into the ancestral spirit music of Zimbabwe with original compositions.

Wherever SUPA K plays, the spirits come blessing, people come dancing, and peace and positivity prevail. One love, everybody!

Baikoko has recently become one of the most favoured night entertainments around Dar es Salaam. Baikoko groups play in roadside bars, at weddings or as an added attraction for ‘modern taarab’ nights. The young man who started this recent craze is Juma Hussein, also known as “Maya”.

Baikoko originated in the 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