Taye Balogun: If the name rings a bell, it's probably because you've heard it mentioned in many diverse quarters. A larger-than-life personality, Nigerian-born Taye is a film director and producer known in these parts for the feature-length music documentary Music Is Our Weapon based on Kenyan band Sarabi. He is also a photographer, a devoted Pan African and since last year, the founder and runner of East Africa's most exciting cruise experience, Sail & Sound.Based in beautiful Zanzibar, Sail & Sound makes it possible for you to celebrate African art, culture, music and dishes while aboard a yacht off the coast of the Indian Ocean.KENYABUZZ: You studied chemistry in university but chose a completely different career path. Why?

I've been into art all my life; drawing and film. Chemistry wasn't going to get me where I wanted to go. I just wanted to tell stories. So, I decided to go back to school and study film. Film then became a huge part of my life. It's what I love to do.KENYABUZZ:  You have a connection to Kenya through your documentary Music Is Our Weapon. Tell us about that.

I was working with celebrated photographer Mutua Matheka for my photography exhibition Why Africans Are Not United. I met Sarabi when I was showcasing my work at Safari Park Hotel. I was intrigued by their music and energy and I was compelled to share their story with the rest of the world. I didn't want a foreigner to tell their story. I shot it for two years.KENYABUZZ: Tell us about Sail and Sound.Some years ago, I used to host, produce and direct a food show on DSTV. It was a lifestyle show. I enjoyed the experience. Then it hit me, why not bring together everything I love in one place? Food, live music, festival and travel. That's how Sail & Sound was born. You get to experience all of it when you cruise with Sail & Sound. KENYABUZZ: You've also merged the Sail & Sound experience with Pan Africanism.

Africans don't get to maximize use of all the beautiful holiday destinations we have on the continent. The travel/cruise experience in the Caribbean and Europe is overrated. I wanted to create something for continental and diaspora Africans to experience the cruise culture right here at home. Sail & Sound celebrates African sailors, our culture, food and music.KENYABUZZ: What's your fave thing to do on the Sail & Sound cruise?

I enjoy EVERYTHING! From the food, music to the networking with different people. The vibe is amazing!KENYABUZZ: Any wild cruise story you'd like to share?

[Chuckles] Not that I know of.KENYABUZZ: What can we expect from this year's Sail & Sound cruise?

I'm really looking forward to the live performances by Jose Chameleone, Ben Pol and Yves Kami an amazing artist from Burundi.  We're also going to be partnering with Melia Hotel, an amazing five-star hotel in Zanzibar.KENYABUZZ: You're from Lagos, Nigeria. How did you end up living in Kenya and running a business in Zanzibar?

I'm a Pan African. I don't consider myself Nigerian. I was born there. I didn't choose it. I believe in the continent. I believe in African integration. I just don't talk about Pan Africanism, I'm living it. My wife is Tanzanian, we got married in Kenya and our son was born here. We're Africans.KENYABUZZ: Can the beaches in Calabar hold a candle to the ones in Watamu or Zanzibar?

I mean, Calabar is nice. It has its own vibe but it can't compare to Watamu or Zanzibar.KENYABUZZ: What do you love most about East Africa?

The nature and people. East Africa is home. I love it.KENYABUZZ: Most Africans aren't tourists in their own continent. How can this change?

Africans experience a lot of profiling when they travel abroad while we have so much to offer. Africans are yet to maximize use of our beautiful spaces right here at home. We can change this by offering affordable travel experiences for Africans.KENYABUZZ: What's the future for Sail & Sound. Are you planning to expand the cruises beyond Zanzibar?Yeah. Definitely, when I get my own private yacht, which is something I'm really working on. We want to explore Zanzibar in and out before venturing to new regions. There's still so much we haven't experienced in Zanzibar. Someday we'll organize cruises from Cape to Cairo. We're currently advocating for maritime environmental conservation which is something we're really passionate about.Sail & Sound 2018 will be happening this October 25-28 

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Jolof or Pilau?PilauBeach or Bush?BeachPemba or Lamu?LamuParts Unknown or DeparturesDeparturesEast African Coast or West African Coast?East African Coast