Artists

Pungwa is a traditional Zanzibari spirit dance found in the northwest of Unguja, and this group is widely described as the most energetic performers in Zanzibar.
More than 150 years ago pungwa traditional spirit dance was established by Shaali Bambao in Bumbwini Makoba village. Shaali Bambao was lost in read more

Taarab music has defined Zanzibar's aural landscape for over a century, renowned for its lush mix of Arabic and western instruments, diva-worthy vocalizations, and allusive Swahili lyrics. The venerable and syncretic form is ambitiously renewed by Rajab Suleiman & Kithara. This lean and nimble group has uncovered the form's read more

Born Patrick Enos Lukhachi Nanjero, in Nairobi on 8 October 1980, Ricky is a bassist, arranger and a bass instructor. He comes from a family of eight with four brothers and three sisters. A few years ago Ricky began his solo career by forming a five-piece band called the Marafiki, read more

There are not many bands whose music has been so pervasive that a new genre has been named after them. Such is the case with Young Stars’ Segere - the 2001 hit song that lent its name to both the style and also the band.

 Segere is especially noteworthy read more

Seven Survivor is one of Dar es Salaam's leading exponents playing mchiriku, a style of music that has been extremely popular around the poor areas of Dar es Salaam, Coastal and Morogoro regions for more than twenty years. This group is currently rated the second in popularity after Jagwa Music. read more

Sona Jobarteh is the first female kora player to come from a Griot family, as well as a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and composer from the Gambia and the UK. She was born in 1983 into one of the five principal Kora-playing Griot families from West Africa. She is the granddaughter of read more