The wait is over — the call for Artists for the 23rd edition of Sauti za Busara Festival is officially open! Set to take place from 6th to 8th February 2026 in the heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar, this iconic festival promises to ignite spirits, inspire minds, and once again unite audiences through the powerful language of music. Since its inception in 2004, Sauti za Busara has become one of Africa’s most respected and vibrant festivals, known for celebrating the richness, diversity, and resilience of music from the African Continent and its diaspora.
Sauti za Busara isn’t just a music event — it’s a gathering that has, for over two decades, brought people from all corners of the world together to honour the sounds, stories, and rhythms of Africa. From soulful Swahili tunes to bold contemporary beats, the festival provides a platform for artists to connect, inspire, and uplift.
Who Can Apply?
Artists from across Africa and the diaspora are invited to apply for a chance to perform on one of the continent’s most loved stages. The festival is especially on the lookout for:
- Original music that carries a distinct cultural identity rooted in Africa
- Women artists or groups led by women
- Young, new, and emerging talents eager to share their voice
- Music carrying positive, socially relevant messages
- Acts that perform 100% live
If this sounds like you or your group — this is your moment
Applications are open until 31 July 2025.
Submissions received after this date will unfortunately not be considered, so don’t miss out. For full details on application guidelines and to access the forms, visit the official festival website: www.busaramusic.org
Mark your calendars, spread the word, and start preparing — we can’t wait to experience the rhythm of Africa with you at the 23rd edition of Sauti za Busara!
Greetings. I’m Bruno Taylor, a South African Afropop artist. I don’t have a website yet so I will be sending my YouTube account on the website part and I hope that will be enough.
Thank you for the opportunity
Mongezi Tlotleng
Good morning i want to be the part of Busara festival
I’m West Choice From south africa kzn, I’m an artist doing skomplaas, which is a mixture of kwaito, amapiano and hiphop, So I would to be a part of this colourful event.
Good day
This sounds like such a great opportunity and I would appreciate nothing more than an opportunity to present my original songs on such a platform.
I am so thrilled as the director of Afro Sounds Promotions cc, a music company that was founded to focus its business of recording, promoting as well as selling of music made from indigenous language and rhythms. I can safely say that this platform resonates exactly with the Vision and Mission of our company of supporting and preserving the diverse African heritage and customs.
We regard music as the only tool that can foster African Renaissance, an infrastructure to enable total liberation of our people from the bondage of mental colonialism.
I would like to perform on this event
I have been wanting to be part of these events, but I always fail, for almost 10 years!! BUT….. I’m never giving up!!
I would really love to be part of this big festival with my band we play my own compositions and have our single up on all digital platforms…
Hi, my name is Zodwa Mnisi Bopape (Mom-Zee the Poet) I’m really interested on this one and will be pleased to be part of it
I’m Nkosingiphile Mbata my stage name is Ndoniyamanzi means Black beauty
I’m an afro soul/ afro jazz artist from South Africa I would love to be part of this Festival and showcase our cultural diversity through Music , my music is about love,inspiration ,and it gives hope ,
I would love to learn about other cultures from different parts of the world, I will be honoured and highly favoured to be part of this beautiful Festival.
This is a lifetime opportunity that I need to be part of, it’s exciting me already. I can’t wait to show off my Africanism🥳