Under the coral-stone ramparts of Stone Town’s Old Fort, three unforgettable days of music echoed across Zanzibar in February 2025. With the stirring theme “Voices for Peace”, Sauti za Busara once again brought together African artists, storytellers, and dreamers — weaving together tradition and innovation, activism and melody in a festival that felt as profound as it was joyous.
A Festival Rooted in Purpose
Since its founding, Sauti za Busara (“Sounds of Wisdom” in Swahili) has been more than a concert — it is a cultural ceremony. Staged in Stone Town, Zanzibar, under the iconic walls of the Ngome Kongwe (Old Fort), the festival celebrates live African music in its richest forms: taarab, Afrobeat, singeli, spoken word, and more.
In 2025, the organizers deliberate on a powerful message: use music to champion peace. With geopolitical tensions simmering globally, and social issues close to home, Busara’s theme struck a chord. “Voices for Peace” was not an empty slogan — it underpinned everything, from the lineup to community programmes.
The Setting: Stone Town & the Old Fort
Stone Town’s narrow alleys, ornate carved doors, spice-scented air and winding staircases provide a living tapestry for the festival. The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), built in the 17th century, becomes a musical amphitheatre: two main stages under ancient coral-stone walls, and a free seaside stage in Forodhani Gardens beside the Indian Ocean.
As the sun descends, the silhouette of the fort frames musicians, dancers and thousands of attendees, creating a space that feels at once historic and alive. There is no barrier between the music and the past here — the festival feels deeply rooted in place.
Line-up Highlights & Musical Diversity
festival featured a striking mix of legends and rising voices. Headliners included Thandiswa Mazwai from South Africa, whose voice carries both jazz and South African soul; Blinky Bill from Kenya, a master of modern, socially conscious sound; and Tanzania’s own Christian Bella & Malaika Band, weaving Tanzanian rhythms with heartfelt lyricism.
Adding even more color, the line-up showcased emerging female voices and empowered acts — in line with the festival’s gender-equality focus. The “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” campaign featured video screenings, information booths, and female artists leading from the stage.
One of the most talked-about moments came from Frida Amani, a Tanzanian rapper making history as the first female hip-hop artist at Busara. Her set — raw, personal, politically infused — resonated deeply with the crowd.
Carnival Parade & Street Magic
No Busara is complete without its Carnival Parade. On the opening day, the streets of Stone Town transformed into a living kaleidoscope of color and sound: stilt-walkers, brass bands, umbrella dancers (mwanandege), acrobats, school drum troupes — all winding through ancient alleys toward the fort.
The parade is not just spectacle; it’s rooted in local traditions and community participation. It’s a reminder that music and dance are communal spirits in Zanzibar — they belong to people and belong to streets as much as they do to stages.
Moments That Stirred the Soul
Inside the Old Fort, at dusk, the first headlining acts poured their hearts into the mic. Between sets, jam sessions erupted — what Busara calls “Swahili Encounters” — where musicians from different countries layered taarab, Afrobeat, spoken word and electronic loops into spontaneous improvisations.
In Forodhani Gardens, under starry skies and palm fronds, artists performed barefoot; island breeze carried the notes out to sea. You could hear oud strings in conversation with electronic synths, taarab violins answering to soulful vocals, all held together by percussive rhythms that beckoned the audience to dance.
Social Impact & Empowerment
Sauti za Busara 2025 was not just about entertainment — it was about transformation. The festival’s social programmes, especially its Gender Transformative Action Programme, put female empowerment front and center. Through talks, video installations, and music, they amplified women’s leadership and raised awareness on gender-based violence.
To many, Busara is also a platform for youth. Over the years, the festival has trained young people in sound engineering, event logistics, lighting and production — leaving a legacy well beyond the weekend.
The Festival Experience for Guests
Walking through Stone Town during Busara feels like entering a parallel musical universe. You might pause in a narrow alley to catch a street drummer, then slip into the fort and catch a taarab set, and later drift to the sea-front for a mellow duet under a crescent moon.
Food stalls sold Swahili crepes, grilled seafood, sugarcane juice and local crafts. The energy was warm, unpretentious, inviting. For many attendees — visitors and locals alike — there is magic in the way the ancient city becomes a gathering of souls.
Challenges & Growth
Behind the scenes, the festival continues to evolve. According to local reporting, Busara 2025 put special emphasis on gender equality, but also faced the persistent challenge of funding, infrastructure and sustainable growth.
Yet, the organizers are unwavering: as a nonprofit (Busara Promotions), they reinvest into the local economy, the creative ecosystem of Zanzibar, and long-term capacity-building.
Looking Ahead to 2026 & Beyond
The momentum built in 2025 carries into the next chapter. The 23rd edition of Sauti za Busara is scheduled for February 5–8, 2026, and promises to be another celebration of unity and musical diversity.
Notably, the legendary Salif Keita (the “Golden Voice of Africa”) has been announced as a headliner, making his Busara debut. His inclusion signals not just star power, but continuity — in purpose, and in amplifying socially conscious voices on a global stage.
The festival continues to prioritize live music (100% live performances), gender equity, emerging talent, and cross-cultural exchange. There are also community-linked programmes and participatory workshops that will deepen the connection between the festival and the people of Zanzibar.
Why Sauti za Busara Matters for Travelers
For the traveller who craves more than a beach holiday, Busara offers a rare fusion: immersive culture, heritage, and a sound-driven journey into Africa’s creative heart. Here are a few reasons to plan your trip around it:
- Cultural immersion: The festival takes place in historic Stone Town — UNESCO-listed, full of stories, alleyways, rich architecture.
- Musical discovery: Whether you’re a taarab lover or love new African fusion beats, Busara’s lineup is wide and deeply connected to tradition.
- Social impact: Attending contributes to empowerment, local employment, and creative infrastructure.
- Unmatched atmosphere: There’s something magical in dancing within old coral stone walls, under lanterns, to voices raised for peace.
Practical Tips for Planning Your Busara 2025 (and Beyond)
If you plan to attend, here are a few tips to make the most of it:
- Book early: Stone Town accommodations fill quickly around the festival dates (Feb 14–16 in 2025).
- Use cashless payments: The festival introduced fast-track electronic ticket scanning and a cashless payment system to streamline onsite spending.
- Explore Stone Town: Take time to wander the narrow alleys, visit spice markets, and absorb the island’s heritage beyond the music.
- Travel lightly: Bring comfortable clothes, good walking shoes, and a hat — festival days can be warm and long.
- Be present: Plan to linger between stages, attend jam sessions, talk to other guests, and soak in conversations — some of the most profound Busara moments happen between shows.
Reflections: Music as a Bridge
At its heart, Sauti za Busara is a festival of connection — across generations, borders, and musical traditions. In 2025, “Voices for Peace” was more than a theme; it was spoken, sung, shouted, whispered, and carried by the wind through Stone Town’s winding lanes.
As we look forward to 2026 and beyond, the festival remains a living testament to music’s transformative power. That power lies not only in performance but in community — in the way thousands gather, create, and depart with hearts lighter, minds wider, and hopes renewed.
Plan for Sauti za Busara 2026