Sauti za Busara (Trip IV)

The main stage in twlight.

My fourth trip (Trip I, Trip II, Trip III) to Sauti za Busara was another total success. I’ve written at length about how much I love the music festival and it did not disappoint this year. The event planning was top tier professional with excellent sound, punctual performance times, great concessions and crowd control.

I’m a bit unique as a festival goer in that I am totally focused on seeing as much music as possible but this requires some strategic planning and pacing. Music begins just after 4pm with two performances in the public Forodhani Gardens stage located just outside the festival venue. These performances are great in that large crowds gather and the general public finds themselves curious. However, it’s usually pretty warm although the stage is right next to the sea which typically gives some sea breeze. Nearly all of the bands that play the early slot also play at a later date and/or time but for those that enjoy a more subdued vibe the Forodhani performances are perfect. From around sunset the performances move inside the venue at the main stage and every half hour or so there is a new act either in the smaller more subdued amphitheater (majority of people sitting) or the larger main stage.

I think the festival does an excellent job mixing the styles and performance times of the bands and especially highlighting music for younger crowds late on Friday and Saturday. If someone doesn’t like to dance and party but is interested in the music they can catch the early performances and head home by 10 or 11pm. If you want a more lively scene you can head in after dinner and enjoy music utnil 1am. Something for everyone!

My favorite thing about Sauti za Busara is not knowing any artists and being constantly surprised. Although the artist descriptions are usually spot on, it’s obviously impossible to know if you’ll like a certain band only by reading the festival booklet. This year my top three artists were Evon from Uganda (amazing voice), Tarajazz from Zanzibar (jazz/taarab fusion, drummer was off the hook!) and Sinaubi and Zawose Spirit Group from Tanzania (traditional music mixed with pan African instruments, insane hand drum player!!!). There wasn’t a bad act and as usual I loved the variety from percussion based traditional sounds to full band hip-hop and even electronic afro-pop. So many styles that I am unfamiliar with and the ability for the festival organizers to continually choose fresh artists never ceases to amaze me.

Out of 31 artists I saw performances by 28, which I consider a success! Although I’d love to see each artist, it’s difficult to juggle all the activities and keeping the energy high. I had some great interactions with foreigners and locals alike an marveled in the mixing of people from all over the world. As someone that comes specifically for the music I’m always surprised that the majority of people only come for a day or two of the fest, though this makes sense if you’re looking to combine the trip with a beach holiday. It is the one drawback of the fest being in Stonetown because the nearest nice beaches are about an hour or two away which means it’s not really feasible to stay somewhere on the beach unless you want to take the long taxi after the show. However, I wouldn’t fault someone for staying on the beach and coming for only a night or two.

Sauti za Busara remains one of my favorite events and I’m already looking forward to next year…