Festivals in Stone Town Zanzibar

Emerson Zanzibar Foundation involved in Stone Town Festivals

Festivals in Stone Town - Sauti Za Busara

Sauti za Busara Zanzibar Festival 2024

Sauti za Busara is an annual music festival that takes place around the second weekend of February in Stone Town, Zanzibar.

This world famous African music festival has three stages over four days. With established and upcoming artists from the African continent and diaspora, the festival aims to showcase music with cultural identity. Networking sessions help professionals connect with each other.

Tickets with 50% discount are available for African passport-holders and EAC Residents, and Tanzanian nationals can enjoy further discounts. Sauti za Busara is recognized as one of Africa’s best music events by BBC and CNN.

Emerson Zanzibar’s Secret Garden presents an additional music event on the Thursday or the Friday before the main stage events. See our Zanzibar Events Page or social media for more details

Get tickets at busaramusic.org from 7th Feb 2024 at 11:00am.

Sauti za Busara 2024 & Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Music Awards

East Africa’s biggest music festival

For more details seeour Music Award 2024 Article

TAZalii070ex-Markus_Meissl
Sauti za Busara Festival 2024 - Photo Markus Meissl
Dhruv chauhan photography. Szb 2-64
Emerson's Zanzibar Music Award 2024 - Photo Markus Meissl

Thursday 8 February 2024
Busara PLUS at the Secret Garden

The Sauti Za Busara Festival is here! Come join us on Thursday Night at Secret Garden, Emerson Spice, Stone Town with Sauti za Busara and a special performance by Dazz Jazz!

Join us every Friday and Wednesday this month for some amazing music!

Starting from 20.00

Secret Garden is found in Emerson Spice Hotel, Stone Town

Reservations recommended, please book via WhatsApp +255 774 483 483
or es.reception@emersonzanzibar.com

IG Post THURS
Anna Kattoa Bantu Sound

Live Music Events Throughout the Year

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Expressions of Zanzibar Women, exhibition by Robin Batista

Expressions of Zanzibar Women, exhibition by Robin Batista

Nov 23, 10:00am - Nov 23, 6:00pm+7Nov 23, 10:00am - Nov 23, 6:00pmNov 24, 10:00am - Nov 24, 6:00pmNov 25, 10:00am - Nov 25, 6:00pmNov 26, 10:00am - Nov 26, 6:00pmNov 27, 10:00am - Nov 27, 6:00pmNov 28, 10:00am - Nov 28, 6:00pmNov 29, 10:00am - Nov 29, 6:00pmNov 30, 10:00am - Nov 30, 6:00pm

Emerson on Hurumzi236 Hurumzi Street,Stone Town,P.O. Box 3417 Map

Robin Batista's exhibition, "Expressions of Zanzibar Women", showcases the resilience, power, determination, and strength of Zanzibari women through a visual journey of vibrant photographs.

Each image tells a story that reflects the rich culture and traditions of Zanzibar, highlighting the courage of women as they engage with their communities and nurture their families. The exhibition celebrates their extraordinary contributions and honors their legacy, inviting viewers to experience the profound emotions and powerful narratives captured in Batista's art.

Limited edition prints available.
... See MoreSee Less

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Step into the Soul of Zanzibar

Stone Town is a thriving, historic and cosmopolitan place. There is always something going on.  Emerson Zanzibar hotels and restaurants are at the heart of the many of the annual events in Stone Town – Sauti za Busara, Zanzibar Film Festivals and Food Festivals.

Emerson Spice and Emerson on Hurumzi are also our hosting weekly or daily events; live music performances with talented local musicians and bands, art exhibitions and many other cultural, community events.

The Princess Salme Museum is next to the Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel.  The magical, mysterious and romantic story of the Princess of a Sultan, who lifted the veil on the royal family life by writing a book, her artifacts and secrets are to be found in the  museum.

Don’t miss out, please follow our social media channels to keep up-to-date with the very latest in what is happening in Stone Town, Zanzibar.

 Please Follow and Like Us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube:

 

Step into the Soul of Zanzibar

Authentic Music and Live Events

ZIFF

Zanzibar Film Festival

The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is East Africa’s largest film and arts festival, exhibiting the latest and best films and promoting film talents from across the African continent and beyond.

The festival’s extensive programme includes film, performance, music, workshops and children’s events, as well as the large-scale outdoor films in the amphitheatre at the Old Fort for which the festival is renowned. There also also several pop-up events, workshops and training in media literacy, film curation and filmmaking within Tanzania, ensuring that the festival continues to act as a flagship arts organisation for East Africa.

Emerson Zanzibar Art Gallery, Exhibitions & Artists

Celebrating Art – Art Exhibition & Artists’ Stories

There are regular exhibitions in the Emerson Art Gallery & Café which can be found by an entrance next to Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel in Stone Town.  There is also an Art Gallery in the Secret Garden in Emerson Spice Hotel. 

Entrance is free for all visitors

Every year there is also Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Award event.  Follow us on Facebook or on Instagram to find out about our Art Exhibitions and Art Awards are in Stone Town.

Stonetown

Zanzibar Wedding Festival

Henna painters, makeup artist and fashion designers – they all come together at the Zanzibar Wedding Festival. The event aims to promote Zanzibari culture – and promote the island as a wedding destination.

In 2022, the festival is scheduled to take place from 2 till 5 December.  

The event will have an array of exiting activities that focuses on reviving the traditions in a new and innovative way through events, shows, discussion panels, exhibitions and more, creating exclusive and comprehensive take on highlighting investment opportunities in several sectors of the Wedding Industry; investment, economy, lifestyle, entertainment and industry’s infrastructure potential in Zanzibar 

Stone Town

Zanzibar Book Fair 2023

Zanzibar Book Fair will be the inaugural celebration of Zanzibari literature. Organized by the Zanzibar Renaissance Literary Society, this annual event will be the first of its kind meeting place for local and global writers to exchange ideas, be inspired, and peruse thousands of books!

The Keynote speaker for this inaugural edition will be Prof. Abdulrazak Gurnah, Nobel Laureate in Literature 2021. The homecoming for this beloved son of Zanzibar will be a poignant start for the book fair where he will also be headlining the African launch of Peponi, a Swahili translation of his 1994 novel, Paradise. The translator is the ever-wonderful Dr. Ida Hadjivayanis, Senior Lecturer in Swahili Studies, SOAS University of London.

The Zanzibar Book Fair will be held from 20th to 22nd of October, 2023.

Keynote Speaker

Prof. Abdulrazak Gurnah

We are on Instagram
Come and see the “Expressions of Zanzibar Women” exhibition. 

Open from 1-30 November Tuesday - Sunday 10.00-18.00 at the Emerson Art Gallery at Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel, Stone Town.

Robin Batista’s exhibition, “Expressions of Zanzibar Women”, showcases the resilience, power, determination, and strength of Zanzibari women through a visual journey of vibrant photographs. 

Each image tells a story that reflects the rich culture and traditions of Zanzibar, highlighting the courage of women as they engage with their communities and nurture their families. 

The exhibition celebrates their extraordinary contributions and honors their legacy, inviting viewers to experience the profound emotions and powerful narratives captured in Batista’s art. 

Limited edition prints are available.

Come and see the “Expressions of Zanzibar Women” exhibition.

Open from 1-30 November Tuesday - Sunday 10.00-18.00 at the Emerson Art Gallery at Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel, Stone Town.

Robin Batista’s exhibition, “Expressions of Zanzibar Women”, showcases the resilience, power, determination, and strength of Zanzibari women through a visual journey of vibrant photographs.

Each image tells a story that reflects the rich culture and traditions of Zanzibar, highlighting the courage of women as they engage with their communities and nurture their families.

The exhibition celebrates their extraordinary contributions and honors their legacy, inviting viewers to experience the profound emotions and powerful narratives captured in Batista’s art.

Limited edition prints are available.
...

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Come join the Wednesday Night Live Magic at Secret Garden, Emerson Spice, Stone Town with FaAnna Theatre Zanzibar!

Every Wednesday and Friday we have amazing live music

Starting from 20.00

October 2024 programme:

Friday 04 October - Culture Musical Club
Friday 11 October - Zenji Boy na Wenzake
Wednesday 16 October - FaAna Theatre Zanzibar
Friday 18 October - La Rhumba with Chris Nova
Friday 25 October - Wakarofi Trio
Wednesday 30 October - Crossing Rhythms: Cameroon and Tanzania Soundscapes with Patrick Bebey, Leo Mkanyia & DCMA Young Stars

Entrance Fee of Tsh 10,000

Secret Garden is found in Emerson Spice Hotel, Stone Town

Reservations recommended, please book via WhatsApp +255 774 483 483
or reception@emersonspice.com for restaurant bookings and reservations@emersonspice.com for room reservations.

Overnight stays can be arranged in one of the hotel rooms, enquire with reservations@emersonzanzibar.com for the rates and availability at Emerson Spice and Emerson on Hurumzi

#StoneTownEvents #zanzibarlife #zanzibarevents #SecretGarden #SecretGardenZanzibar #EmersonZanzibar #Wednesdaynightlive #FridayNightLive #Livemusicstonetown #livemusiczanzibar #stonetownrestaurants #placestoeatstonetown #stonetowndining

Come join the Wednesday Night Live Magic at Secret Garden, Emerson Spice, Stone Town with FaAnna Theatre Zanzibar!

Every Wednesday and Friday we have amazing live music

Starting from 20.00

October 2024 programme:

Friday 04 October - Culture Musical Club
Friday 11 October - Zenji Boy na Wenzake
Wednesday 16 October - FaAna Theatre Zanzibar
Friday 18 October - La Rhumba with Chris Nova
Friday 25 October - Wakarofi Trio
Wednesday 30 October - Crossing Rhythms: Cameroon and Tanzania Soundscapes with Patrick Bebey, Leo Mkanyia & DCMA Young Stars

Entrance Fee of Tsh 10,000

Secret Garden is found in Emerson Spice Hotel, Stone Town

Reservations recommended, please book via WhatsApp +255 774 483 483
or reception@emersonspice.com for restaurant bookings and reservations@emersonspice.com for room reservations.

Overnight stays can be arranged in one of the hotel rooms, enquire with reservations@emersonzanzibar.com for the rates and availability at Emerson Spice and Emerson on Hurumzi

#StoneTownEvents #zanzibarlife #zanzibarevents #SecretGarden #SecretGardenZanzibar #EmersonZanzibar #Wednesdaynightlive #FridayNightLive #Livemusicstonetown #livemusiczanzibar #stonetownrestaurants #placestoeatstonetown #stonetowndining
...

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Msanii, Muongozaji na Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Wasanii wa Filamu Zanzibar Mohammed Suleiman Maarufu @muddysule_94 Usiku Wa Jana amechukua Tuzo ya Filamu Bora iliyotolewa Na Emerson Foundation kwenye Usiku Wa Zawadi Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Congratulations @muddysule_94 for winning Emarson Awards @emersonzanzibarfoundation
@mwenenu_binnassib @emersonzanzibarfoundation and @ziffestival 

#ZIFFAwards #ZIFF27 #ziff2024 #africanfilms #films #filmawards #filmscreenings

Msanii, Muongozaji na Mwenyekiti wa Chama cha Wasanii wa Filamu Zanzibar Mohammed Suleiman Maarufu @muddysule_94 Usiku Wa Jana amechukua Tuzo ya Filamu Bora iliyotolewa Na Emerson Foundation kwenye Usiku Wa Zawadi Zanzibar International Film Festival.

Congratulations @muddysule_94 for winning Emarson Awards @emersonzanzibarfoundation
@mwenenu_binnassib @emersonzanzibarfoundation and @ziffestival

#ZIFFAwards #ZIFF27 #ziff2024 #africanfilms #films #filmawards #filmscreenings
...

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Don't miss the exhibition of ZIFF posters from 1997 to 2024 at the Emerson Foundation Art Gallery next to Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel, Stone Town | Zanzibar international film festival |

The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), now in its 27th year, stands as a shining example of cultural interaction
and cinematic excellence in East Africa. 

This year’s theme, “Rejuvenation,” timely captures the festival’s enduring spirit
and its commitment to cultural dialogue and sociocultural commentary.

The exhibition of ZIFF posters from 1997 to 2024 provides a visual narrative of the festival’s journey. Each poster is a
snapshot of its time, reflecting the themes, challenges, and triumphs of that particular year. Together, these posters
chronicle the evolution of ZIFF, showcasing its resilience in the face of changing times and its ability to rejuvenate and adapt continuously.

The posters are more than just promotional materials; they are historical documents that capture the essence of each festival edition. They tell stories of global cultural interactions, of encounters that transcend borders, and of a festival that has grown to become one of East Africa’s most significant cultural events.

This exhibition invites viewers to journey through 27 years of cinematic history, to witness the transformation of ZIFF,
and to celebrate its contributions to the global film landscape. As we look to the future, these posters remind us of the festival’s storied past and its potential to inspire and rejuvenate in the years to come.

#ZIFFAwards #ZIFF27 #ziff2024 #africanfilms #films #filmawards #filmscreenings

Don`t miss the exhibition of ZIFF posters from 1997 to 2024 at the Emerson Foundation Art Gallery next to Emerson on Hurumzi Hotel, Stone Town | Zanzibar international film festival |

The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), now in its 27th year, stands as a shining example of cultural interaction
and cinematic excellence in East Africa.

This year’s theme, “Rejuvenation,” timely captures the festival’s enduring spirit
and its commitment to cultural dialogue and sociocultural commentary.

The exhibition of ZIFF posters from 1997 to 2024 provides a visual narrative of the festival’s journey. Each poster is a
snapshot of its time, reflecting the themes, challenges, and triumphs of that particular year. Together, these posters
chronicle the evolution of ZIFF, showcasing its resilience in the face of changing times and its ability to rejuvenate and adapt continuously.

The posters are more than just promotional materials; they are historical documents that capture the essence of each festival edition. They tell stories of global cultural interactions, of encounters that transcend borders, and of a festival that has grown to become one of East Africa’s most significant cultural events.

This exhibition invites viewers to journey through 27 years of cinematic history, to witness the transformation of ZIFF,
and to celebrate its contributions to the global film landscape. As we look to the future, these posters remind us of the festival’s storied past and its potential to inspire and rejuvenate in the years to come.

#ZIFFAwards #ZIFF27 #ziff2024 #africanfilms #films #filmawards #filmscreenings
...

35 5
This is a sad announcement and a big blow to the Art of Zanzibar. The famous Zanzibar music artist Rico Single @ricosinglezanzibar has passed away.

Hii nitaarifa ya kusikitisha na pigo kubwa katika Sanaa ya Zanzibar Msanii maarufu wa muziki Zanzibar Rico Single @ricosinglezanzibar amefariki 

Rico was one of the participants in the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Music Award 2020.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our heartfelt love goes out to all his family and friends.

This is a sad announcement and a big blow to the Art of Zanzibar. The famous Zanzibar music artist Rico Single @ricosinglezanzibar has passed away.

Hii nitaarifa ya kusikitisha na pigo kubwa katika Sanaa ya Zanzibar Msanii maarufu wa muziki Zanzibar Rico Single @ricosinglezanzibar amefariki

Rico was one of the participants in the Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Music Award 2020. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our heartfelt love goes out to all his family and friends.
...

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We are celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation with a variety of events:

⚫ Thursday 25 April 2024 from 16.30 – 18.00
Opening of “10 years Anniversary Art Exhibition” in the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery

⚫ Friday 26 April 2024 from 20.00
Live music performance by Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Music Award recipients in Secret Garden, (entrance fee of 10,000 TZS per person goes directly to the musicians)

⚫Saturday 27 April 2024 from 17.00 – 18.00
DCMA Unplugged concert in Hurumzi street

For dinner on Friday night in the Secret Garden, please email: es.reception@emersonzanzibar.com or WhatsApp: 0774 483 483 to make a reservation and purchase your tickets in advance.
For dinner on Saturday in Emerson on Hurumzi in the Tea House restaurant, please email: eh.reception@emersonzanzibar.com or WhatsApp: 0779 854 225

Various workshops aimed at the artists in Zanzibar, which are also take place this weekend. If you would like to attend any of these workshops, please email us at foundation@emersonzanzibar.com, so we can reserve a space for you.

⚫Friday 26 April 2024 16.30 – 18.00
Discussion session for young Zanzibari visual artists: “History and future for Visual Artists in Zanzibar.” In Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery.

⚫Sunday 28 April 2024 10.00 – 11.00
Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Music Award recipients gather to discuss their joint performance and future collaborations in Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery.

⚫Sunday 28 April 2024 11.00 – 12.30
Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation meets Zanzibari film makers with discussion on opportunities for film makers in Zanzibar in Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery.

You are all warmly invited to join us in the upcoming events of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation!

We are celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation with a variety of events:

⚫ Thursday 25 April 2024 from 16.30 – 18.00
Opening of “10 years Anniversary Art Exhibition” in the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery

⚫ Friday 26 April 2024 from 20.00
Live music performance by Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Music Award recipients in Secret Garden, (entrance fee of 10,000 TZS per person goes directly to the musicians)

⚫Saturday 27 April 2024 from 17.00 – 18.00
DCMA Unplugged concert in Hurumzi street

For dinner on Friday night in the Secret Garden, please email: es.reception@emersonzanzibar.com or WhatsApp: 0774 483 483 to make a reservation and purchase your tickets in advance.
For dinner on Saturday in Emerson on Hurumzi in the Tea House restaurant, please email: eh.reception@emersonzanzibar.com or WhatsApp: 0779 854 225

Various workshops aimed at the artists in Zanzibar, which are also take place this weekend. If you would like to attend any of these workshops, please email us at foundation@emersonzanzibar.com, so we can reserve a space for you.

⚫Friday 26 April 2024 16.30 – 18.00
Discussion session for young Zanzibari visual artists: “History and future for Visual Artists in Zanzibar.” In Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery.

⚫Sunday 28 April 2024 10.00 – 11.00
Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Music Award recipients gather to discuss their joint performance and future collaborations in Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery.

⚫Sunday 28 April 2024 11.00 – 12.30
Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation meets Zanzibari film makers with discussion on opportunities for film makers in Zanzibar in Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Art Gallery.

You are all warmly invited to join us in the upcoming events of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation!
...

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Emerson Spice Hotel

Closed until 15th December 2024

Emerson Spice Hotel, Secret Garden Restaurant and Spice Rooftop Restaurant will be closed for refurbishment until 15th December. Our sister Hotel Emerson on Hurumzi & Rooftop Restaurant remain open.