Zanzibar, Tanzania - Sauti Za Busara Festival is a new Swahili Music & Cultural Festival showcasing best of Swahili musical traditions – from past, present and future. Itwill be held Friday through Sunday 13 – 15th in February of 2004 at Malindi Grounds, Zanzibar Town Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The festival is a 3-day weekend cultural extravaganza of music, theatre and dance. The theme of this new dynamic festival on the African cultural calendar is Swahili Encounters, focusing on showcasing a diversity of performing arts which are all rooted in Swahili language and traditions. Modern and traditional styles, both religious and secular will be represented, alongside exciting new fusions and included will be some of the finest groups from Tanzania and Kenya.

The 2004 inaugural Festival takes place on the magical and friendly islands of Zanzibar, Tanzania and is Free admission for all. The festival venue is Malindi Grounds, a large green open space in the area close to the main market of Zanzibar Town. Accommodation at all levels is available within easy walking distance of the main festival venue.

Sauti Za Busara Festivals are planned for the future in a range of East African islands and coastal venues and will expand to include a broad programme of local and international artists.

During the week before the 2004 festival Busara Promotions collaborates with the Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA Zanzibar: www.zanzibarmusic.org) to present a series of related music-based workshops and masterclasses. For the week following the event Busara also plans to coordinate a variety of recording sessions featuring many festival artists at Zanzibar’s Heartbeat Studios.

The programme deadline is 13 December 2003. Music groups and artists interested in participating please send press kits to: Busara Promotions, PO Box 3635, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Tel: +255 747 428478

Advertising, merchandising and sponsorship packages are available. For more information contact Festival Director at busara@zanlink.com