The Sauti za Busara music festival has announced a change in its traditional schedule, moving its 2027 event from February to March. The 24th edition of the festival will now take place from March 19 to 21, 2027, in Stone Town, Zanzibar. This change aims to allow artists, audiences, local communities, and partners to participate fully in the festival while accommodating the timing of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The festival, organized by Mwananchi Communications Limited, will feature a diverse lineup of musicians from Tanzania, Zanzibar, and other parts of Africa, as well as performers from the Indian Ocean region and beyond. Tanzanian artists set to perform include Dulla Makabila, Damian Soul, Ras Gwandumi, and Bongo Roots, among others. Zanzibar will also be represented by several local artists, including Siti & The Band and Brainboy & Tarazoukband.
The 2027 line-up also includes international artists from various countries, such as Kenya's Elsy Wameyo and Christine Kamau, South Africa's Yugen Blakrok and Linda Sikhakhane, and Mozambique's António Marcos and Isabel Novella. Other performers announced include Nawal from the Comoros, Samira Brahmia from Algeria, and Black Jesus Experience from Australia.
In addition to the diverse lineup, the festival will also feature Swahili Encounters, a performance showcasing artists from different backgrounds. Festival Director Journey Ramadhan highlighted the event's two-decade-long history of connecting African artists with new audiences and international industry opportunities while celebrating Zanzibar's culture and community.
The Sauti za Busara festival has previously focused on promoting unity and resilience through music. The 2026 event, which took place in February, was reported to have ended on a high note of unity and resilience. The 2027 festival aims to continue this tradition, bringing together musicians and audiences from across the continent and beyond.
With a three-day program, the festival promises to offer a unique experience for attendees, showcasing a wide range of musical talents and styles. The event's organizers have expressed their commitment to creating an inclusive and vibrant atmosphere, allowing artists and audiences to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar and Africa.
As the 2027 Sauti za Busara festival approaches, music enthusiasts and fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience the diverse lineup of artists and the vibrant cultural atmosphere that the event has to offer. With its rescheduled dates and continued commitment to promoting African music and culture, the festival is set to be a highlight of the year's entertainment calendar.
Key points
- The 2027 Sauti za Busara festival will take place from March 19 to 21, 2027, in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
- The festival features a diverse lineup of musicians from Tanzania, Zanzibar, and other parts of Africa, as well as performers from the Indian Ocean region and beyond.
- The event aims to promote unity and resilience through music, celebrating Zanzibar's culture and community.
