Unguja. After 19 successful years, Sauti za Busara, one of Africa’s leading festivals, today Friday, February 10 kicks of its 20^th edition at the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe) in Stone Town.

According to festival director, Yusuf Mahmoud, today marks the beginning of three days of a celebration of African music under the African stars with a wide array of artistes from across Africa gracing the two stages.

Apart from the two stages at the Old Fort, for the first time the festival will on Saturday, February 11, host a performance during the day at Fumba Town by CPS.

Speaking in Zanzibar, festival director Yusuf Mahmoud called on Tanzanians and visitors who have arrived from all corners of the world to join in numbers to witness and participate in this unique spectacle.

“Today, we kick off a unique and magical experience when Zanzibar hosts three days and nights of 100% live African music. We are especially proud of this year’s festival as it is our 20th, with a line up which is truly world-class with diverse music styles to satisfy audiences and backgrounds,” said Yusuf Mahmoud.

According to Mr Mahmoud, the two decades of song and dance has made Sauti za Busara one of the most dynamic African music festival that continued to operate during the difficult years of the pandemic.

“During the two decades we have demonstrated resilience and agility in its support for artists, whilst emphasizing the power of music to speak against certain ills in our society.”

Acknowledging the fact that Africa is such a big continent with different historical backgrounds but with a common aspirations, this year’s edition is special runs under the theme ‘Our Diversity, Our Wealth’.

Commenting on some of the great acts that have graced the Sauti za Busara, festival manager journey Ramadhani named some of the artistes whose performances have stood out over the two decades.

“We have had hundreds of artistes come here but musicians such as Zanzibar’s legend Bi Kidude, Neka (Nigeria), Bassekou Kouyate (Mali), Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana), Sarabi (Kenya), Samba Mapangala (DRC), Ba Cissokho (Guinea), Sholo Mwamba, Saida Karoli and Jaguar Music (Tanzania),” said Journey Ramadhani.

In a year that was preceded with uncertainties' this year's event wouldn't have been possible without the core funding of Fumba Town by CPS, who came to the rescue of the festival after the initial sponsors withdrew due to unforeseen circumstances.

Speaking at the event, CPS, – Fumba Town Deputy Chief Operations Officer Alfred Vendeline said he was proud to be part of one of Africa's greatest musical extravaganzas, which have left lasting memories over the years.

"In the same way that Sauti za Busara brings diverse people from diverse countries to celebrate diverse music from diverse cultures, Fumba Town also brings together people from different countries and cultures to purchase and enjoy affordable residential and holiday homes in Zanzibar,' he noted. 

"We also take this opportunity to welcome you to Busara Plus, a unique, first-of-its-kind event that allows you to come and see, feel, taste and hear all that Fumba town has to offer. Busara Plus is a unique music and cultural event that will take place tomorrow, Saturday, at Fumba Town, from 9 AM to 05 PM," Alfred added. 

He also added that Free transport would be provided to and from the Old fort to Fumba Town every half an hour. In addition, Busara Plus will feature special live performances from Asia Madani, Majestad Negra and Siti & the band, tasty food, and a one-of-a-kind community market with unique crafts and antiques to commemorate your trip to Zanzibar.

"Make your visit to Zanzibar more memorable and permanent by becoming one of the discerning homeowners worldwide who own a distinctive, modern home in Fumba Town," said Alfred.