Sauti Za Busara: African Music Under African Skies
Sauti Za Busara welcomes you for the 22nd Edition in 2025 for a three days of beautiful vibes at the heart of Stone Town that make up the historic center of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
For the 22nd Edition of Sauti Za Busara, Zanzibar’s iconic music festival promises an unforgettable celebration of African rhythms and rich cultural vibes. The 2025 lineup is a harmonic blend of established and emerging talent, with artists representing a wide range of African musical expressions. This edition guarantees dynamic performances from Thandiswa, the South African musical powerhouse, alongside Blinky Bill, known for his innovative artistry and Afrofuturistic beats. Tanzanian star Christian Bella and Malaika Band bring their soulful and high-energy stage presence to Zanzibar. Jazz enthusiasts won’t want to miss Bokani Dyer, a masterful pianist from South Africa, or the iconic sounds of Kasiva Mutua, Kenya’s leading percussionist.
For Taarab lovers, Zanzibar Taarab Heritage Ensemble and The Zawose Queens will immerse audiences in traditional Swahili and taarab music. Other remarkable artists include Frida Amani, one of Tanzania’s hip-hop stars, and Mozambique’s Assa Matusse, known for her electrifying stage charisma, the list goes on including Mumba Yachi, Boukuru, Charles Obina, UkhoiKhoi, Joyce Babatunde, WB Abo, Leo Mkanyia and Swahili Blues, Tryphon Evarist, Éntisel Maloya, Babakash and the Band, B. Junior, Nidhal Yahyaoui, Anna Kattoa and Bantu Sound
THANDISWA – SOUTH AFRICA
“My work allows me to share my thoughts on Blackness and social issues while celebrating freedom and joy.”
Thandiswa is a powerful voice for change, celebrating African identity and sparking dialogue through her music. Known for electrifying performances at venues like the Apollo Theatre and Carnegie Hall, she’s collaborated with icons like Hugh Masekela and DJ Black Coffee. She continues inspiring audiences across generations and cultures with her music.
BLINKY BILL – KENYA
Blinky, a multi-talented artist, producer, and DJ from Nairobi, Kenya – celebrated for his futuristic African sound, blending funk, hip-hop, pop, electronica, and jazz. His latest album, We Cut Keys 2, showcases his experimental style blending tribal drums, electronic music, hip-hop, and jazz which has taken him to major stages worldwide, from Afropunk to SXSW, TED Global, and Red Bull Music Academy.
CHRISTIAN BELLA & MALAIKA BAND – TANZANIA
Christian Bella, popularly known as “Mfalme wa Masauti” (King of Voices), has risen from humble beginnings to become a powerhouse in African music, known for his soulful sound and remarkable talent. Leading the Malaika Band in Dar es Salaam, Bella creates music that resonates deeply with fans, solidifying his status as a celebrated icon in the African music landscape.
BOKANI DYER – SOUTH AFRICA
Bokani Dyer, a multi-award-winning pianist, composer, and producer from Botswana and South Africa, is celebrated as a trailblazer in jazz. Known for his dynamic performances, Dyer has headlined iconic events like the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and opened the London Jazz Festival in 2015. His trio has captivated audiences worldwide, from Jazz ahead in Bremen to the Safaricom Jazz Festival in Nairobi, Musiques en été in Geneva, and Festival Métis in Paris. Dyer’s artistry continues to redefine jazz, inspiring global audiences with his vibrant and soulful sound marking his contributions to the jazz scene.
FRIDA AMANI – TANZANIA
Frida Amani stands as a trailblazer in East African hip-hop, celebrated not only for her talent but for her fearless advocacy for women in the industry. For Amani, rap is a profound passion and a powerful tool for self-expression. Carving her own path, she continues to uplift others along the way, proving that talent transcends gender and that the future of hip-hop shines brighter with diverse voices at the helm.
ASSA – MATUSSE – MOZAMBIQUE
Assa Matusse, a renowned Mozambican singer and cultural ambassador, has twice represented Mozambique at UNESCO in France, captivating audiences with her unique blend of traditional African rhythms and her melodic, soulful voice. She celebrates the vibrant spirit and rich heritage of Mozambique, showcasing the beauty of the Xi Changana language and sharing the stories of her people through powerful music and rhythm.
THE ZAWOSE QUEENS – TANZANIA
The Zawose Queens, led by the gifted Pendo and Leah of Tanzania’s renowned Zawose family, bring a bold fusion of traditional and modern electronic music to life. Uniting Tanzanian musicians and electronic producers, they create an electrifying blend that’s as captivating as it is innovative. Their performances are a rich showcase of powerful vocals and mastery of traditional instruments like the marimba and the Gogo female drum, the muheme, embodying the vibrant spirit and timeless rhythms of Tanzanian culture.
KASIVA MUTUA – KENYA
Kasiva Mutua, Kenya’s trailblazing percussionist, channels her grandmother’s folktales into powerful rhythms that blend African tradition with jazz, hip-hop, reggae, and funk. As the founder of Kenya’s first all-female percussion collective, she empowers young women through music and fosters a supportive sisterhood. Her debut with her band at ACCES 2023 in Dar es Salaam marked a vibrant milestone in her journey to celebrate African women in music.