Artists

Nassor Amour Abdallah aka Cholo Ganun the founder of Rahat Zamaan Taarab Orchestra is renowned for his exceptional talent; he is the youngest professional ganun player in East Africa. In Sweden during 2003, Cholo Ganun won Best World Musician Award; of a hundred contestants, he was one of only read more

Seun Olota is a composer, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Lagos, Nigeria. He is also leader of the ExTaSi Gang Band and an advocate for persons living with special needs and physical conditions. He has created a niche within the context of dance, club, choral and therapeutic music with original read more

Sibusiso ‘Mash’ Mashiloane is a prolific artist whose academic credentials speak volumes on the discipline and passion he has for music. After gaining his master's degree in Jazz Performance and graduating from the University of KwaZulu Natal, he is currently studying towards his PhD focussing on the concept of read more

Dr Hukwe Ubi Zawose, one of Tanzania’s music legends who spent much of his life touring the world, died suddenly in 2003. The legacy of his musical dynasty lives on.

SinaUbi & Zawose Spirit Group create the bridge connecting past and present generations, delivering a new and unique read more

Rooted in a mystic Island in the Indian Ocean, carrying influences from ancient Arab, Turkish, Indian, and African musical traditions whilst fusing them with contemporary music from Jazz to Funk to Reggae and beyond, Siti & The Band are the rising stars from the East African region presenting a virtuous 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