Tanzania: Sauti za Busara fest downscaling in 2021

The organisers have now announced that the 2021 edition will go ahead but with a modified programme, new dates and a reduced number of performances. The organisers announced in June that the 18th edition would be held between 11 and 14 February 2021 in Stone Town, Zanzibar. However, due to the prevailing uncertainties around the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated challenges in raising sponsorships, the festival will now take place on 12 and 13 February, while a number 'Busara Xtra' community-organised events will be held across Zanzibar from 7 to 14 February.

Nonetheless, the organisers have promised an exciting programme with a significant focus on artists and audiences from the East African region. The full line-up will be announced in October and will boast artists from Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Reunion, Ghana, Morocco and Algeria.

Busara Promotions CEO and festival director Yusuf Mahmoud told Music In Africa that the idea to reduce the number of days for the sake of having an economically viable event was first discussed by the Busara Promotions board and management during a special meeting held in June. In addition, the festival will be forced to lay off a number of its crew and workers. Each year, the festival employs more than 800 people, prioritising local personnel for crucial roles in artist management, administration, media, security, cleaning, technical, ticketing and merchandise.

"Most of our crew are local Tanzanians," Mahmoud says. "Also many more are indirectly employed because of the event happening, such as food and drinks vendors, hotel and restaurant staff, motorbike and taxi drivers, tour operators, equipment providers, community police and so on. With a smaller event in 2021, sadly the jobs created will be fewer, though still significant."

The decision, Mahmoud says, will inevitably have ripple effects on the Zanzibari economy. An analysis of the festival's 17 years of existence found an economic impact of $90m.

SzB is arguably one of the best-known music festivals on the African continent. It was listed by the BBC as one Africa's seven best music festivals to see. The annual fest attracts thousands of international tourists annually, who support the event's existence via the local tourism and hospitality sector.

"Although flights and hotels are now beginning to reopen, responses from local business owners we spoke with, who previously supported the festival, say that due to massive losses, they will be unable to contribute this time," Mahmoud said. "We will have to rely on partnerships with embassies and donors. We pray that they will support by understanding the role Sauti za Busara 2021 can play in Zanzibar's social, cultural and economic recovery."

Next year's edition will also see the festival launch the Our Environment, Our Life campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of ocean pollution, single-use plastic, deforestation, overfishing and other regional concerns.

"Freshwater sources rapidly diminish, while new luxury resorts offer baths and infinity pools for their guests. Education and awareness-raising campaigns will highlight some of these hazards. Although our festival alone cannot make great changes to society, wherever possible, we try to set an example and promote dialogue, change attitudes and encourage action for a fairer and more sustainable world."

Above all, Mahmoud is passionate about lobbying the government to support local artists. He echoes the frustration of many stakeholders in the African music industry on the challenge of securing government financing, especially now that income has been significantly reduced. 

"After the general elections in October, Zanzibar will have new leadership. We can achieve more when our voices are unified, at local, national and regional levels. However, for government authorities to support music and culture, artists and cultural organisations will need to better demonstrate and prove with unquestionable data how we impact society." 

If the COVID-19 pandemic brought the bustling music industry to a standstill, it certainly hasn’t stifled the public's thirst for live music. Mahmoud says news of the festival going ahead, despite a reduced number of days, has been met with enthusiasm. Uncertain as these times may be, people are looking forward to "enjoying live music under East African skies," he said. 

The organisers are now working with the local authorities on the steps that need to be taken to ensure the safety of artists, attendees and the community at large.

Early bird supersaver tickets are available from 1 September 2020 here with a 50% discount for African nationals and East Africa residents. Become a sponsor or partner here.