The Mkota Spirit Dancers are a traditional Zanzibari dance troupe from southern Pemba, widely described as the most energetic performers in Zanzibar. Since 1985 they have wowed audiences throughout the archipelago with their repertoire of rare dances, which include gonga, boso, kyaso, and the transfixing possession dance known as kumbwaya. Through kumbwaya, audience members and dancers alike are known to be deeply moved by the spiritual drumming and chanting that channels the kumbwaya spirit. With dancers accompanied by traditional drums and horns, performances by the Mkota Spirit Dancers transport audiences to the culturally rich landscape of Pemba. These 13 male and female performers will make their Sauti za Busara debut in 2012, and are an act not to be missed! Their appearance at the festival has been made possible by the Swahili Performing Arts Center in collaboration with ZanAir.