Artists

Mohamed Ilyas embodies the culture and history of the Zanzibar islands like no other. He comes from a great tradition of taarab singers who took the Arabic origin of the art form and transformed it to a uniquely Zanzibar experience. He is firmly grounded in this tradition, with a read more

Mpamanga from Madagascar, have been in the game since 2009. The group includes five musicians with Zix on bass and vocals, Jacquis Ralf on guitar and vocals, Hery on drums and pad, Toky on keyboards, vocals and percussion and Bema on lead vocals.

The group was born in their home town read more

Msafiri Zawose is on an ongoing quest to forge an original sound for a changing Tanzania, a search he took up from his late father Hukwe, who was a founding figure in the nation’s musical independence.

A charismatic performer, prolific songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Msafiri Zawose is one of Tanzania’s read more

Mwahiyerani is a traditional dance group based in Mchauru Juu Village, Mtwara region. Their style is of the Makua ethnic group found both in southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique. This style was originally performed only by elders and in secret places, since the 1920s. Now it is performed openly and read more

Born Henry Ohanga, in Kibera, one of Africa's largest slums, Octopizzo is an artist on a steep curve of rising popularity. A true hiphop lover, he was greatly influenced by his early years in Kibera. Aged 25, he looks up to old school hip hop artists as being major inspirations, read more

Rashid Amin Abdallah aka Rico Single was born in Kikuu village, on Pemba island. He started music at primary school, as part of the school’s traditional dance group.

In 2001 together with friends, Rico Single created Swahili Arts Group which had more than 40 young members, performing traditional dances, read more