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ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, October 18, 2022/ — Zanzibar’s new eco-town development Fumba Town – a project by developer CPS (https://CPS.Africa) – joins forces with Sauti za Busara and becomes the main sponsor for East Africa’s most prominent international music festival in Zanzibar.
“Busara Promotions is delighted to announce its core operational expenses for the next three years will largely be covered by CPS, and by that, Fumba Town is becoming the main festival partner and sponsor.” Yusuf Mahmoud, CEO and Festival Director of Sauti za Busara, announced yesterday.
He added that Sauti za Busara would not be possible without partners and sponsors such as CPS, the company developing Fumba Town. This new strong partnership will ensure that the internationally renowned Festival will carry on its journey and continue to attract thousands of visitors to Zanzibar. The Norwegian Embassy previously supported the Festival from 2009 until March 2022. When this and other sponsors withdrew earlier this year, the widely acclaimed African Festival was in danger of being discontinued.
This upcoming Festival will be Sauti za Busara’s 20th-Anniversary edition. Except for 2016, the music event held at the historic Old Fort in UNESCO-protected Stone Town has never failed to be held, even during two years of the coronavirus crisis. It attracts up to 20,000 visitors over three to four days – a major booster for Zanzibar tourism for two decades. “The festival has been a vital part of Zanzibar’s culture”, said Tobias Dietzold, Chief Commercial Officer of CPS: “It brings together people from all walks of life, promoting strong, peaceful and resilient communities.” Dietzold added: “This is what we stand for at Fumba Town and CPS, and therefore we are grateful to be able to contribute our part. The private sector must take responsibility to support initiatives like this.”
The Minister of Tourism and Heritage for Zanzibar, Hon. Simai Mohammed (center) witnessing the signing of the sponsorship agreement for the Sauti za Busara festival that will take place in February next year between the Chief Commercial Officer of CPS, Tobias Dietzold and Busara Promotions CEO, Yusuf Mahmoud yesterday. The event was held in Fumba Town, Zanzibar and the contract will be for three years.
Among many colourful and diverse acts performing at Busara in recent years were Sampa The Great (Zambia), Nneka (Nigeria), BCUC (South Africa) and Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana/USA). Under the inspiring guidance of festival director and music lover Yusuf Mahmoud, the Festival has focussed on women entertainers as well as young and upcoming acts. The cosmopolitan island of Zanzibar has a strong cultural connection. There is a saying: “When the flute plays in Zanzibar, the whole of Africa dances.”