Every year, during the week leading up to the Sauti za Busara festival, we create a space for artistic collaboration.

This year, in collaboration with Little Gig, we are providing a great opportunity for local and international artists to come together, create unique sounds, and practice before finally performing as a complete band under the supervision of Msaki, the artistic director.

Swahili Encounters 2025 brings together artists from various countries, including Tanzania, South Africa, Sudan, and Uganda. Audiences will experience new sounds live on stage on Saturday, February 15.

The artists including Pendo Hukwe Zawose (Tanzania) on vocals/ngoma, Islam Elbeiti (Sudan) on bass, Leah Ndahani Zawose (Tanzania) on vocals/ngoma, Babakash (Tanzania) on vocals, Leomile Motsetsela (South Africa) on vocals, Muneyi (South Africa) on vocals, Xhanti Nokwali (South Africa) on vocals, Muzi (South Africa) on vocals, Charles Obina (Uganda) on vocals/percussion, Mohammed Adam (Sudan) on percussion/vocals and Mariam Namuyodi (Uganda) on drums.