Artists

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

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

More famously known for the annual colourful Mwaka Kogwa (Shirazi New Year) cultural celebrations, the small fishing town of Makunduchi on the south-eastern tip of Zanzibar is also home to Kiongoni School, where young talent is overflowing. Placing a priority on fostering cultural pride from a young age, the school read more

Stone Town Rockerz features band members from various parts of Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar, who met and joined at the Dhow Countries Music Academy. With their diverse cultural influences, this makes their music unique as they also combine local rhythms with afrobeat and Latino and western styles such as rock, read more

Supa Kalulu makes pure joy contagious, breathing new life into the ancestral spirit music of Zimbabwe with original compositions.

Wherever SUPA K plays, the spirits come blessing, people come dancing, and peace and positivity prevail. One love, everybody!

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