Zanzibar to host first Mashariki Jazz and Folk Music Fest

The new live music festival will feature emerging and established acts, including Msafiri Zawose (Tanzania), Makadem (Kenya), Lily Kadima (Uganda) and Siti and The Band (Zanzibar). Others are TaraJazz (Zanzibar), Wanawake Waridi (Zanzibar), Mopao Swahili Jazz (Tanzania), Sandra Nankoma (Uganda), Tofa Boy (Zanzibar) and Fadhilee Itulya (Kenya). 

The organisers say the festival will showcase indigenous and contemporary music from the region while encouraging, nurturing and showcasing young talent.

“This festival aims to be a platform where musicians are well remunerated regardless of whether they are established or not,” Mashariki festival co-founder John Kagaruki told Music In Africa. “Normally, concerts are organised by promoters or organisations with high overheads and do not necessarily provide fair compensation to artists, especially in Africa. We are grateful to have found a sponsor willing to cover artists’ fees.”

Wanawake Waridi band member Anna Kattoa said: “We see this festival as a platform that can springboard musicians’ careers to the next level. When emerging artists and leading professional musicians come together, great networking and collaborations happen because you get to interact with music that you might have otherwise never heard of.”

Part of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to support the Dhow Countries Music Academy in Zanzibar, which is facing a financial crisis. While the school has received support from international donors and diplomatic missions over the years, it now faces an uphill battle to keep its doors open. The institution plays an importnat role in teaching, preserving and promoting the music of the Indian Ocean archipelago.

“DCMA not only teaches and promotes traditional culture and heritage through music, but it's also home to a community of young musicians who seek alternatives to making a living as creatives,” Kattoa said.

Festival tickets are available here.