Artists

May 2008, saw the beginning of Wanyambukwa Arts Group. The three original members Juma Sabe, Albert Magana and Willy Kamwaya have seen the group grow in just over two short years to 13 active members. The group was established with the aim to maintain the traditions of various ethnic groups, read more

Pungwa is a traditional Zanzibari spirit dance found in the northwest of Unguja, and this group is widely described as the most energetic performers in Zanzibar.
More than 150 years ago pungwa traditional spirit dance was established by Shaali Bambao in Bumbwini Makoba village. Shaali Bambao was lost in read more

Nfithe features eight talented young musicians from Beira in northern Mozambique. The band was started in 2002. Nfithe (meaning "The Witchdoctors") is inspired by its African traditions yet creates a new, original, modern music that invites the audience to dance.

The line up includes guitar, keyboard, vocals, drums and percussion.

The lyrics read more

Kikundi cha Taifa (National Taarab Orchestra) of Zanzibar was founded many years ago, having a flexible set up but always featuring the cream of the crop of taarab musicians from the Islands.

The group is presently under the artistic direction of two of Zanzibar's taarab maestros, Mr Iddi Suwedi of Culture read more

Olith Ratego was born in Asere Ugenya, Siaya District, Kenya. His interest in music was awakened by his mother, who was a singer of "dodo", a traditional style of Luo music. On occasion, she used to perform for dignitaries, even including the then president of Kenya, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

As a read more

Kikundi cha Taarab Kizazi Kipya (KIKI) presents a new sound of orchestral taarab music, combining modern and acoustic instruments. They are from Mahonda district, around 25 miles north of Zanzibar town, and have come under the spotlight since Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA Zanzibar) recently opened a branch in Mahonda. read more