Sauti za Busara

Busara Xtra is the name we give to the variety of fringe cultural shows and activities happening in Zanzibar that we feel sure will be of interest to our festival audiences.

Zanzibar, at festival time, is the only place to be. It’s not just Busara Promotions (organisers of Sauti za Busara) who are putting on a show. All around town, in fact all around the island, there are other events, activities and entertainment just waiting for you.

Tourists who come for Sauti za Busara typically like to explore the island, meet local people, and experience local culture.

On the Monday after the festival there are various shows around town including at least one of Zanzibar’s top taarab orchestras. Obviously there will be quite a few chances to enjoy more music performances in various clubs, restaurants and hotels.

Local organisations are encouraged to let their imagination flow - it could be anything - maybe a Pemban bullfight, ngalawa race, fashion show, taarab or kidumbak night, African music disco, Swahili food event or even putting on an extra show of one of the visiting international bands.

In the past we have had a swahili garden feast with live music every afternoon in the grounds of the Palace Museum, a dhow race where 15 traditional ngalawas, sporting sails sponsored by local businesses, competed for supremacy and prize money! An art exhibition of designs - inspired from tradition henna body painting - transferred to canvas and colour. And the “Tales of Wisdom” recital of youth poetry - teenagers presenting their work to compete for the title of “Young Poet of Zanzibar”.