Sauti za Busara has confirmed full programme highlights for its 23rd edition as demand for tickets continues to surge ahead of the February 2026 festival in Zanzibar.
The four-day festival, widely known as Africa’s “Friendliest Festival on Planet Earth,” will take place from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th February 2026, with a soft opening on Wednesday 4th February, at a new venue, the Mnazi Mmoja Grounds in Stone Town.
Organisers say the relocation from the Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe), where the festival was held for over 22 years, has enabled a significant expansion in audience capacity, improved crowd management and enhanced safety, accessibility and overall experience for artists and audiences.
Speaking on the preparations, Journey Ramadhan, Festival Director of Sauti za Busara, said this year’s edition has generated unprecedented interest.
“The combination of an expanded venue, an exceptional lineup led by Salif Keita, and growing international attention has made this one of the most anticipated editions in our history. Working closely with the Government of Zanzibar and relevant authorities has allowed us to safely scale the festival to meet demand,” Ramadhan said.
The 2026 edition will feature multiple stages, shaded open-air spaces, an expanded food and craft market, professional networking areas and improved access for pedestrians, public transport and vehicles.
Early Bird tickets have sold out, while Advance Tickets are selling rapidly. The festival will host more than 400 musicians from 21 countries across Africa and beyond.
Headlining the event is Malian music legend Salif Keita, whose recent global resurgence, driven by the viral success of Yamore, has attracted renewed international attention.
Beyond headline performances, Sauti za Busara will host a range of fringe activities including the Carnival Parade in Stone Town, collaborative performances under the Swahili Encounters programme, and industry-focused discussions through the Movers & Shakers platform.
According to Lorenz Herrmann, the festival has evolved into a platform for cultural exchange beyond entertainment.
“Sauti za Busara has become a space where cultures meet on equal terms, demonstrating how music can facilitate dialogue and understanding across borders,” Herrmann said.
The festival will also extend its programming beyond Stone Town through Busara Plus, a free community stage at Fumba Town Nyamanzi, aimed at widening access to cultural participation.
Inclusion remains a core focus of the festival, with women represented across performance, production, administration and technical roles.
Organisers say this approach reflects a long-term commitment to gender equity within the creative sector.
In parallel, Busara Promotions continues to implement social impact initiatives alongside the festival. The Inspire to Lead! programme, launched on 17 January 2026, is being delivered in partnership with the Government of Zanzibar, the European Union and UN Women as part of a broader Gender Transformative Action Programme addressing violence against women and girls and promoting women’s leadership.
Busara Promotions has also reported strong international interest in its Gender@Work Tanzania initiative, which focuses on training women for technical and professional roles in the live music and events industry.
The programme is implemented in partnership with the Music In Africa Foundation and funded by UNESCO’s International Fund for Cultural Diversity.
With international arrivals rising and ticket demand continuing to increase, organisers are urging audiences to secure tickets early ahead of what is expected to be one of the largest editions of Sauti za Busara to date.