Artists

This is a group composed of teachers and pupils of the Kilimani Madrasa (Islamic school), founded in 1997 in the Kiungani section of Zanzibar town. Qasida Swiffat Nabawiyyatul offers Holy Koran classes as well as qasida (religious music) to pupils ranging from age 4 to 30 and upwards.

Qasida is performed read more

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

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

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

Safar is an Arabic word which translates as a journey. DCMA Zanzibar's Safar is a group that reflects the diversity of musical styles found in the context of the Dhow Countries. Afrobeat, ngoma, taarab and Arabic music are blended in a special experience without dominating one another. The musicians are read more

Sanaa Taarab was born in 1983, after the then Zanzibar Ballet group stopped its activities. In its early years the group managed to perform by borrowing equipment from Culture Musical Club, with whom they have a long and positive relationship. Currently the group has twenty artists who are employed by read more