Sauti za Busara has announced the artist line-up for its 24th edition, scheduled to take place in Stone Town, Zanzibar, from 19 to 21 March 2027, bringing together performers from across Africa, the Indian Ocean and beyond for three days celebrating the continent’s musical diversity and cultural connections. The festival, which has spent more than two decades connecting African musicians with international audiences, will feature artists representing countries including Mozambique, Tanzania, South Africa, Comoros, Algeria, Kenya, Mauritius, Réunion and Zanzibar, alongside performers from Australia and Brazil.
Among the announced acts are Mozambican musicians António Marcos and Isabel Novella; Tanzanian artists Dulla Makabila and Damian Soul; South African performers Yugen Blakrok, Linda Sikhakhane and Zawadi Yamungu; and Comorian singer Nawal. The programme also features Kenyan artists Elsy Wameyo and Christine Kamau, Algerian singer Samira Brahmia, Mauritian performer Mannyok and Réunion’s Madiakanou. The wider line-up includes Australia’s Black Jesus Experience, Brazilian musician Maurício Pazz, Zanzibar’s Siti & The Band, Brainboy & Tarazoukband, Mr Zeze and Rahat Zamaan Taarab Orchestra. Other announced performers include Ras Gwandumi & Bongo Roots, Turunesh, Hilary More, Mswanu Gogo Vibes, Bwagamoyo Africulture and Swahili Encounters, which brings together artists from different backgrounds. More acts are expected to be announced.
The 2027 edition will take place in March rather than the festival’s traditional February slot. Organisers said the change was made to accommodate the timing of Ramadan, allowing artists, audiences, local communities and partners to participate more fully in the festival. Beyond its musical programme, the festival will place children’s rights and wellbeing at the centre of its 2027 edition through the theme, “Let Them Shine: Choose a future for children”. Supported by UNICEF, the initiative will use music and the festival’s international platform to raise awareness of children’s rights, encourage action and promote opportunities for every child to learn, grow and succeed.
Festival Director Journey Ramadhan said Sauti za Busara had developed into more than an annual music gathering, serving as a platform through which African artists reach new audiences, access industry opportunities and build international connections.
“As we enter a new chapter with the 2027 edition, we are proud to continue this work by bringing diverse African voices to Zanzibar, supporting artists and creating meaningful connections through music,” Ramadhan said.
The festival’s continued focus on African music and cultural exchange comes as artists from the continent increasingly engage audiences beyond their home markets. By bringing performers from different musical traditions together in Zanzibar, Sauti za Busara offers a platform for artistic collaboration while placing the island’s cultural identity at the heart of the experience. With its 24th edition approaching, the festival is set to return to Stone Town from 19 to 21 March 2027, continuing its longstanding commitment to celebrating African creativity, cultural diversity and connection through music.
