ZANZIBAR: Sauti Za Busara Festival May Collapse

The 13th edition of the Zanzibar Music (Sauti za Busara) festival may not go ahead as planned in 2016 due to lack of funds, the show's organiser has warned.

Sauti za Busara is held every year in Zanzibar during February, showcasing music from across Africa and beyond. Preparations for the 2016 has already kicked-off and the selection committee is scheduled to meet this month to decide the programme.

"We need funds for the preparations; unfortunately time is running out without money. We may be prompted to cancel should we not have enough funds by August 20, this year," Yussuf Mahmoud- Executive Director of Busara Promotions warned.

He said at the press conference held at the Grand Palace Hotel that for artists performing in the Festival, "we usually pay a modest performance fee and cover expenses in Zanzibar, including local travel, visa, accommodation, food and incidentals.

Artists from outside the region may have to find their own travel sponsors." Different stakeholders at the press conference like Pamela Matthews from the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investor (ZATI) said that 'Sauti za Busara' should not be allowed to die because it plays a big role economically including creating job opportunities.

The music festival has been attracting many tourists and makes added advantage for employment including petty traders who emerge during the festival period.

Zanzibar Sauti za Busara is included in CNN's list of 7 African music festivals you really have to see, Songlines magazine's Best 25 International Festivals and Afro Tourism's 8 Best Music Festivals.

Sauti za Busara as " has been hailed as one of Africa's best and most respected music events."