Movers & Shakers 2026

WHEN: Friday 6 th and Sunday 8 th February at 14:00 – 16:00

WHERE: Spice Tree Conference Center (opposite Serena Hotel, Stone Town) View Map

Social Change Panel – 6th February 2026

Arts & Impact: Reaching Communities through music to address violence against children and women.

Panelists:

  • Labdi – Musician & Activist, Kenya
  • Man Fongo – Musician & Activist, Tanzania
  • Miranda Armstrong – Chief of Child Protection, UNICEF Tanzania
  • Nabiha Kassim – UNICEF Young Advocate, Tanzania
  • Chiara Guidetti – Head of Corporations, European Union

Moderator:

  • Jules Joseph –Chief Creative Strategist, Malkia Choice FM

Meet the Artists Panel – 8th February 2026

The Festival Effect: How Festival Music Ecosystems Launch Artist Careers and Shape the Future of the Music Industry

Panelists:

            Isack Abeneko – Artists, Director Marafiki Arts Festival, Tanzania

            Juma Chumu – Katibu Mtendaji BASSFU – National Arts Council, Zanzibar

            Phillina Witke – Project Lead, EU Projects Sub-Saharan Africa, 

Moderator:

            Pilani Bubu – Artist, Director Folklore Festival, South Africa

The Festival Effect: How Festival Music Ecosystems Launch Artist Careers and Shape the Future of the Music Industry

Movers & Shakers serves as a cornerstone in nurturing a strong sense of community within the music industry, providing a platform for professionals to connect, collaborate, and grow together. This event plays a crucial role in empowering individuals to excel in their careers by facilitating meaningful interactions, sharing knowledge, and fostering supportive relationships. By uniting like-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, Movers & Shakers not only strengthens the bonds within the industry but also fuels innovation and drives the continual evolution of the music ecosystem. Through its initiatives and engagements, this event contributes significantly to the growth, vibrancy, and sustainability of the music industry, ensuring that professionals have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive in their endeavors.

Through the format of panel discussions on recent topics in the music industry, personal introductions of all participants and an informal networking session, a unique atmosphere of exchange, debate and networking is created during the Festival. Over the years, we hosted and connected approximately 2150 musicians and music professionals.