Artists

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

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

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

Christopher ‘Tofa Boy’ Antony is a young and talented student from Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA) Zanzibar. Presenting an energetic cocktail of African popular music styles including bongo flava and Afro-fusion, Tofa Boy is a vibrant and upbeat artist. He composes his own songs and delivers these with passion, from 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

Ison Mistari, aka Zenji Boy is a new light in Zanzibar’s hiphop scene. His song-writing is critical and conscious, with powerful lyrics and messages that deeply resonate with his Swahili-speaking audience. Ison Mistari’s live performances are highly energetic and his lyrical skills widely feared. He has earned respect and appreciation read more