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

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

Vitali Maembe is a well-respected Tanzanian artist, guitar player and singer-songwriter, known for his original music that is universal yet distinctly Tanzanian. He was born in Sumbawanga, grew up in Dar es Salaam, and graduated at Bagamoyo College of Arts.

His music combines inland and coastal rhythms, with poetic and provocative read more

Ahmed Djamil Ghouli aka DJAM is a charismatic and energetic singer-songwriter and performer from Algiers. In 2004, whilst studying at university, he started improvising Gnawa standards and creating original compositions. Enthusiastic responses gave him the motivation to create the Djmawi Africa band. Their first album “Mama” (2007) was highly acclaimed, read more

In recent years, Morena Leraba has emerged as a new flagbearer of a remodelled Lesotho sound through a brace of singles, collaborations and live performances. He has thrilled audiences at Banlieues Bleues Jazz Festival in Paris, Afropunk Joburg (2017 and 2019), MTN Bushfire (2019), Oslo World (2019) and Music in read more

TaraJazz, Zanzibar. This exciting young band of musical explorers is on a mission, improvising, sharing and responding to new sounds. At the group’s core is jazz, real, live and uncompromising. This is a unique blend that brings elements of Zanzibari taarab with its Arabic, African and Eastern influences and rhythmical read more