Sauti za Busara, "Sounds of Wisdom" - Zanzibar's Music Festival
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Corto Safaris and Busara Music, the organizers of the annual Zanzibar Music Festival partner this year to bring our clients to this very special event. Have a look at the info below on this event, and do not hesitate to contact us to book your Zanzibar holidays and your visit between the 9th and 13th February 2011 to witness this musical feast.
Festival Description
Sauti za Busara [Kiswahili = Sounds of Wisdom] is East Africa’s No 1 music festival. Within the ancient walls of Zanzibar’s Old Fort, on the seafront of Stone Town, every year during February people come together in celebration of the richness and diversity of African music.
Over the five days around 20,000 people attend, including concert and festival promoters, culture vultures, journalists and music professionals from all over the world. The masses are made up by East Africans, who ensure Sauti za Busara’s reputation is maintained - as ‘the friendliest festival on the planet’. Shows start daily at 5pm, with admission free for all ‘til sunset, then just 2,000/- TSh (one euro) for locals.
The 8th edition of Sauti za Busara festival is happening 9 – 13 February 2011 and features:
- 400 musicians: that’s forty groups, with 20 from Tanzania and ten from other parts of East Africa; urban and rural, acoustic and electric, established and upcoming. A further ten groups this year will guest from Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, La Réunion, Madagascar, Mauritius, Ghana, Guinée and Senegal. All music on the Main Stage is performed 100% live.
- Carnival Street Parade: setting alight the streets on the Opening Day, including beni brass band, ngoma drummers, mwanandege umbrella women, stilt-walkers, capoeira, acrobats and surprises...
- Swahili Encounters: 4-days of artistic collaborations, for invited local and visiting musicians
- Seminars and Training Workshops: building skills for artists, managers, music journalists, sound and lighting technicians and filmmakers from the East Africa region
- Movers & Shakers: Daily networking forum for local and visiting arts professionals
- African Music Films: documentaries, music videos, clips and live concert footage
- Festival marketplace: local food and drinks, music, jewellery, clothing and handicrafts
- Busara Xtra: During festival time, the island is buzzing with a range of fringe events: fashion shows, dhow races, open mic sessions, traditional ngoma drum and dance, after-parties and performances of Zanzibar’s oldest taarab orchestras are all arranged by the local community
“Festivals invigorate young people’s interest in local culture, give opportunities for artists and music professionals to meet and learn from each other, keep traditions alive, create employment for local people and
promote Zanzibar as a model for responsible tourism - that honours and respects local culture.”
Yusuf Mahmoud, Festival Director
Useful Links
Regular updates on line up and programme of events / Photo galleries of earlier editions / Profiles of all artists who participated during 2004 – 2010 / Video blogs and press coverage Sauti za Busara 2010 / Zanzibar accommodation / Visitor Information / More Top African music festivals in Africa
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