Mapanya Band is an energetic, young and talented 'you've-gotta-dance-to-it' group that started in 2015, when all its members were students at Zanzibar’s Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA).

The seven musicians who are from Zanzibar and Tanzania play an energetic mix of reggae, soul, r’n’b, hiphop, afro-fusion, Arabic and taarab music, with hints of Latin and Indian music styles. All members of the band sing, drum, play guitar and dance, with an energy that is deeply infectious and quickly gets audiences out of their seats!

Among their unique characteristics is the wonderful balance of their vocal harmonies, each influenced by individual band member’s experiences, whether it be singing Islamic qasida, church hymns or ngoma traditions from the East African coast.

Mapanya’s songs look forwards to a better Africa - a peaceful continent, rich in nature and traditions. Their messages are filled with hope - for young people to believe and trust in themselves, to improve their talents and to become responsible adults.

Mapanya Band has performed at Zanzibar International Film Festival, Sauti za Busara, DoaDoa, Nafasi Art Space and Bagamoyo Festival. They also toured in Switzerland in 2018.