SAUTI ZA BUSARA KICKS OFF WITH BUSARA XTRA

Sauti za Busara music festival is taking a step back on the first day of the festival, February 14, in order to let Stone Town to shine.

This is the first day of ‘Busara Xtra’ - a day where Stone Town businesses throw open their doors to display shows of art, drumming and dance classes, music, and a sunset reggae party. The Sober House will hold a daily art exhibition at Livingstone’s Restaurant, starting on 14 February and continuing throughout the festival.

The artwork of recovering addicts and alcoholics will be displayed at the exhibit, starting at 10:00 am.

The toughest choice visitors will have to make is not whether to come a day early, but which event to go to first! The sunset reggae cruise starts at 4:00 pm at Kae Funk Michamvi. Zanzibar’s popular Nadi Ikhwan Safaa will be performing at NIS Club House at 4:00 pm the same day.

No matter if your music style is old Taarab or new Sinachuki Kidumbak or anywhere in between, Stone Town has something for you with Busara Xtra.

Festival Director Yusuf Mahmoud says that the festival has always made it a point to benefit Zanzibaris. Since the festival began in 2004 the number of visitors to Zanzibar in February has gone up by 500%. By training and employing local people and drawing so many visitors to the island each year, Sauti za Busara helps the people of Zanzibar.

"Busara Xtra is another way the festival contributes to the economic and cultural life of the island.“Busara Xtra increases opportunities for regional artists to showcase their work, for visitors to see different parts of the island, meet local people and widen participation in the festival by local communities in Zanzibar,” said Mahmoud.

After warming up for the festival with Busara Xtra, Sauti za Busara’s main stage opens on 15 February and hosts performers until 17 February, 2013. The Busara Film Programme will show three films that complement the music on the main stage.

The amphitheatre of the Old Fort will be transformed into an open air cinema where popular music videos will be displayed as well as the three feature length films. For more information or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.busaramusic.org or purchase tickets at the door starting on 13 February, 2013. Tickets are Tsh 3,000/- for Tanzanians with special rates for East African residents.