Sauti za Busara (in English, "Sounds of wisdom") is an African music festival that is held every year in February/March in Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is centred in the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), with fringe events taking place concurrently around Stone Town - including a carnival street parade.
Sauti za Busara is one of the largest music festivals in East Africa, with several hundreds of artists participating each year. 
It showcases a diverse and dynamic programme of exclusively African music and has over the years provided a valuable stage for local Swahili talent, from taarab legends like Bi Kidude and Culture Musical Club, to homegrown Tanzanian pop and hip-hop. 
In its last edition, Sauti za Busara attracted 29,000 people over four days, united in celebration of African music under African skies.
Last year's event was shelved because of COVID-19 but the organizers are still optimistic that the show will go on next year and have sent out a call for Nairobi artists to participate in the 2022 edition. The next edition is scheduled for 11 - 13 February 2022 in Stone Town Zanzibar.
The call for artists is open only until midnight (EAT) on 31st July 2021.
Preference is given to:
  • Unique music with cultural identity that is connected to Africa, the Arab World and Indian Ocean
  • Women artists, or groups led by women
  • Young, new and emerging talents
  • Music with messages that are positive, relevant and useful to society
  • Music that is performed '100% live'!
If you're a Nairobi-based artist and you'd like to be part of the 2021 line up, send all documents as listed below. Incomplete applications or those received after the deadline will not be considered.
  • Application form*
  • Artists' profile/biography*
  • Link to Artist's profile on the Music In Africa portal (www.musicinafrica.net)
  • Latest audio release (send 2 CDs by post, or maximum 3 songs by WeTransfer/dropbox/google drive)
  • Video of live performance (send 1 DVD by post, or 1 clip by WeTransfer/dropbox/google drive)
  • 2 promotional photos (high-resolution)
  • Stage Plan and Technical Rider (if available)
Supporting documents must be clearly labeled and sent by email to journey@busara.or.tz

About The Author

Author
Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life

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