Artists

Elias Barnabas, aka Barnabas Classic, started in music aged 16 after joining Tanzania House of Talent (THT) in 2007. He has grown to be a prominent singer-songwriter and guitarist, with many hit songs including Njia Panda and Hawajui (Vanessa Mdee), Lonely (Linah), Upepo, Kizunguzungu and Promise (Recho), Anamalele and Chuna read more

Ben Pol is a leading Tanzanian artist and a fast-rising talent on the African music scene. His live performance skills combine top-notch vocal artistry with great stage presence and make his shows highly sought-after. An award-winning singer and songwriter and a gifted vocalist with a unique style of R&B, Ben 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

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

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

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