Call for Artists: Sauti za Busara 2026
The Call for Artists is now open for the 23rd edition of Sauti za Busara festival, set to shake the walls of Stone Town, Zanzibar during 6 – 8 February 2026.
Sauti za Busara showcases unique and diverse music, primarily from the African Continent, music that is connected to Africa and diaspora.
The line-up of confirmed artists will be announced in October 2025
Preference is given to:
- Unique music with cultural identity that is connected to Africa.
- Women artists, or groups led by women
- Young, new and emerging talents
- Music with messages that are positive, relevant and useful to society
- Music that is performed ‘100% live!’
Music In Africa profile link
Music In Africa (www.musicinafrica.net) is the leading information and exchange platform for African artists. A Music In Africa profile acts as an EPK (electronic press kit); if you keep this updated with latest audio and video releases, it will greatly enhance your global visibility and possibly lead to bookings beyond Sauti za Busara. To support your application consider uploading your profile to the Music In Africa website. Register here to upload your profile to Music in Africa website
To apply to participate, please send all documents as listed below. Incomplete applications or those received after the deadline will not be considered.
All supporting documents must be clearly labeled and uploaded on WeTransfer/dropbox/google drive and the link/s should be put into application form fields.
- Recent live performance video links* (maximum 2 clips )
- Latest audio (MP3) release* (maximum 2 songs)
- 2 promotional photos* (high-resolution)
- Link to Artist’s profile on the Music In Africa website (optional)
- Stage Plan and Technical Rider
The deadline to receive your complete application is midnight (EAT) on 31st July 2025
If selected, Sauti za Busara will cover the following expenses for participating artists (+ 1 crew member):
- Modest honorarium, aka performance fee
- Per-diems, for meals and incidentals
- Accommodation in Zanzibar
- All local transport related to the performance
- Tanzanian visa costs
- Festival passes, including access to all shows for the duration of the event
- Invitations to Movers & Shakers (networking for professionals), press conferences and other events
- Artist’s profile in festival programmes, press releases, website and social media platforms.
- Travel sponsor logo with link in our website ,festival programmes and social media
The selection committee meets in August to finalise the line-up for Sauti za Busara 2026. Applicants will be notified of outcomes before September. Artists from outside the region are usually required to find their own travel sponsors and the festival will support where possible.