Sauti za Busara (Trip V)

 

After missing the past two years I was thrilled to be back at Sauti za Busara (Trip IV). The festival was slightly downsized from years past but still offered three nights of pan-African music on two stages. I have to commend the event organizers and the artists because the festival continues to be one of my favorite things in the world.

Saturday night was a perfect Sauti za Busara night for me. We found a cozy spot in the middle of the venue which happened to be around the friends and family of most of the artists. The raucous support was contagious as the musicians performed at a high level. The highlight for me was a session at 7pm called "Swahili encounters". Performers consisted of a "super group" of artists sampled from different bands. The festival organizers arranged for some artists to spend a week collaborating and the result was performance that represented everything I love about Sauti za Busara. The musicians were full of joy as the unique blend of sounds and  instruments filled the old fort (see lineup below). The group brought high energy and world-class musicianship and the crowd reciprocated with cheers and dancing. It was one of my all time favorite concert moments!

Swahili encounters featuring: Nasibo (Zimbabwe): mbira, vocals; Asia Madani (Sudan): vocals, percussion; Islam Elbeiti (Sudan): bass; Naxx Bitota (DRC): vocals; Pendo Zawose (Tanzania): percussion; Mariam Zawose (Tanzania): percussion; Hassan Mahenge (Tanzania): oud, percussion, saxophone; Tryphon Evarist (Tanzania): accordion, vocals, percussion; Neema Surrie (Zanzibar): violin

The festival was well attended with top notch people watching and mixing of cultures. An old Zanzibari grandpa supporting his family member in a local Taarab band next to a group of hip Kenyan women drinking beers and swaying to the beat next to sun-baked Europeans with grins from ear to ear as they soak up the unique atmosphere. I will always rate Sauti za Busara and the tradition continues strong!

The smaller venue with seating, view towards the sea.

The main stage with the castle towers.