Sauti za Busara Music Festival
The word means “Sounds of Wisdom in Kiswahili”. This event is recognized as the premier music festival in East Africa, showcasing the best in established and upcoming artists.
The event brings together music groups from different countries to perform over four nights of the festival and all performing groups present inspired and inspiring music with a message. This event takes place each year in February. Beds sell out quickly during that time of the year, so plan ahead! Find out more:
www.busaramusic.org
Fashion Week Zanzibar
Fashion Week Zanzibar is a new initiative dedicated to celebrating fashion created in or inspired by the beautiful island of Zanzibar, Tanzania. The festival of fashion will be held at locations around Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar archipelago. Find out more:
www.fashionweekzanzibar.com
ZIFF- Film Festival of the Dhow Countries
The Festival of the Dhow Countries is the largest annual cultural event in East Africa, and among the eight major festivals in sub-Saharan Africa. It is scheduled annually around the first two weeks in July.
The festival celebrates the arts and cultures of the African Continent, India, Pakistan, Gulf States, Iran and the Indian Ocean islands. It features an international film and video competition, music, theatre and performing arts, workshops, seminars, conferences and other related arts and cultural programs. Find out more:
www.ziff.or.tz
Jahazi Literary & Jazz Festival
This is the first festival of its kind in Zanzibar, aiming to inspire youth through literature and music. It takes place each year in the beginning of September. Find out more:
www.jahazifestival.com
Kizimkazi Cultural Music Festival
The festival aims to establish “a village within a village”, it houses artists, performers, volunteers, backpackers, and other travelers, offering a multitude of activities. This takes place each year end of December. Find out more:
www.kizinoor.org
Mwaka Kogwa
Mwaka Kogwa is a four day celebration, best observed at Makunduchi, a village in the South of Zanzibar. It is one of the oldest traditional festivals which marks the arrival of the new year or “Nairuz” according to the Shiraz calendar. Some of the events include huge bonfires and mock fights. Find out more:
www.mzuri-kaja.or.tz
Ngalawa Race
This is a spectacular traditional boat race (small dhows called ‘Ngalawas’) performed by local Zanzibari fishermen and attracts a huge crowd of spectators from all over the world. The race takes place each year in August.
