Emerson Zanzibar Foundation involved in Stone Town Festivals
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 2025 & Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Music Awards
East Africa’s biggest music festival
For more details see our Music Award 2024 Article
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 [email protected]
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.Â
 Please Follow and Like Us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube:
 
Live Music Events Throughout the Year
Authentic Music and Live Events
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.Â
Every year there is also Emerson Zanzibar Foundation Award event.
 Please Follow and Like Us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube:
Â
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.Â
 Please Follow and Like Us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube:
Â
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.
Please Follow and Like Us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube:
Prof. Abdulrazak Gurnah
Flashback 🎬
This week, we’re celebrating Mfaume Hassan Ally, winner of the ZIFF 2025 competition.
His talent and dedication stood out among a remarkable group of participants, earning him this well-deserved recognition!🥇
But the journey didn’t end with the award... [2/3]
#ziff #ziff2025 #flashback #artsandculture #winner
![Flashback 🎬
This week, we’re celebrating Mfaume Hassan Ally, winner of the ZIFF 2025 competition.
His talent and dedication stood out among a remarkable group of participants, earning him this well-deserved recognition!🥇
But the journey didn’t end with the award... [2/3]
#ziff #ziff2025 #flashback #artsandculture #winner](https://emersonzanzibar.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Flashback 🎬
Winning was only the beginning…
As part of our commitment to supporting artistic growth beyond the festival, we helped ZIFF 2025 winner Mfaume Hassan Ally access a unique professional development opportunity đź“ť
TATAKI, in collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam, held a playwriting workshop. With the support and consultation of Professor Mhando, Mfaume was able to participate in a program he would not normally have been eligible to join.
A reminder that recognition can open doors to new learning, connections, and creative possibilities ✨ [3/3]
We look forward to ZIFF 2026, coming very soon!
#ziff #ziff2025 #playwriting #artsdevelopment #zanzibar
A successful opening night for AiR SPICE, artists in residency 🌿🎨
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us in the Secret Garden to celebrate resident artists MAMAA, SIZYA, and DIDA. The exhibition is now open through 15 August 2026 with free entry 🖼️
Photos by: Omar Rashid @great_bazungu6
Come explore Zanzibar’s vibrant creative voices at Emerson Spice Hotel ✨
#airspice #artistinresidence #zanzibarart #emersonszanzibarfoundation #artexhibition
🎨 Meet the AIR SPICE 2026 Artists-in-Residence:
✨ MAMAA
✨ SIZYA
✨ DIDA
For two months, these talented artists will create, connect, and share their work with the community at Emerson Spice Hotel’s Secret Garden.
📅 11 June – 15 August 2026
🎟 Free Entry
#airspice #zanzibarart #artistresidency #creativezanzibar #emersonszanzibarfoundation
*TANGAZO LA WITO WA MAOMBI*
TUZO YA UANDISHI WA MISWADA YA MFULULIZO WA TELEVISHENI 2026
Miaka 11 ya Tuzo za Filamu za Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation
Je, una hadithi inayostahili kuonekana kwenye televisheni?
Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation inakaribisha waandishi wa Zanzibar kuwasilisha maombi yao kwa Series Scriptwriting Award 2026, toleo la 11 la tuzo zake za kila mwaka za filamu.
Mwaka huu, tuzo inaendelea kuhamasisha uandishi wa miswada ya Tamthilia za televisheni (TV Series) wenye ubunifu, unaoakisi maisha, utamaduni na changamoto za Zanzibar na Tanzania kwa ujumla.
*Kaulimbiu:*
“Stories of the Isles: Simulizi za Visiwani”
Tunapokea hadithi/Tamthilia zinazobeba utambulisho wa Zanzibar, zikichanganya urithi wa kitamaduni na masuala ya kisasa yanayogusa jamii.
*Nani Anaweza Kuomba?*
âś“ Waandishi wanaoishi Zanzibar
âś“ Waandishi binafsi au timu za waandishi
âś“ Kazi za asili ambazo hazijawahi kuzalishwa wala kurushwa hewani
âś“ Miswada ya Kiswahili au Kiingereza
âś“ Ombi moja kwa mshiriki
*Wasilisha:*
1. Jina la Tamthilia na Logline
Sentensi moja inayoeleza hadithi yako.
2. Series Bible/Treatment (Kurasa 3–5)
• Muhtasari wa hadithi nzima ya vipindi 12
• Maelezo ya wahusika wakuu
• Maelezo ya mazingira, aina ya hadithi na dhamira zake
• Muhtasari wa kila kipindi
3. Episode ya Kwanza
• Mswada kamili wa kipindi cha kwanza
• Kurasa 25–30
*Tarehe Muhimu*
đź“… Mwisho wa kutuma maombi: 20 Juni 2026
đź“… Kutangazwa kwa walioingia hatua ya mwisho: 25 Juni 2026
đź“… Kutangazwa kwa mshindi: 28 Juni 2026
Mshindi Atapata:
🏆 Msaada wa kuendeleza mswada wake
🏆 Ushauri kutoka kwa wataalamu wa sekta ya filamu
🏆 Fursa ya kuwasilisha mradi kwa kampuni za televisheni Tanzania
🏆 Msaada wa kisanii na utangazaji wa mradi
*Jinsi ya Kutuma*
📧 [email protected]
Subject:
Series Award 2026 – [Jina la Tamthilia] – [Jina la Mwandishi]
Andika hadithi. Simulia Zanzibar. Tengeneza mustakabali wa televisheni ya Tanzania.
Flashback 🎬
As we count down to ZIFF 2026, we’re looking back at some of the unforgettable moments from ZIFF 2025 ♥️
From the opening night celebrations to the vibrant atmosphere throughout the festival, ZIFF once again brought together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across the region and beyond. 🎥
On this picture: the winner of script award 2025 Mfaume Hassan Ally 🏆
Join us as we revisit the highlights as the next edition is in the soon future [1/3]. ✨
#ziff #ziff2025 #flashback #filmfestival #zanzibar
On 20 May, Tarajazz officially released Cheichei online, sharing their music with the world.🌍
And we’re not done yet… stay tuned for our upcoming online event celebrating the platform release of the album!
Listen to Cheichei here: ditto.fm/cheichei đź’ż [4/4]
#emersonfoundation #tarajazz #cheichei #newmusic #zanzibar
Flashback 🎶
Last January, we celebrated the physical launch of Tarajazz’s album, an unforgettable moment and the start of something exciting ✨
The journey continues… 👀 [3/4]
#emersonfoundation #tarajazz #albumlaunch #zanzibar
Pictures by: Walid
Flashback 🎶
May, we’re revisiting highlights from last year’s music support 🎤
•
This week: celebrating our winner, Tarajazz a truly standout act. They won suited assistance, what that means will be shown soon! đź‘€
•
We’re also incredibly grateful to all the talented artists who took part in the auditions and made the journey so special 💛
Stay tuned as we share more about Tarajazz [2/4] 🔜
•
•
•
#emersonfoundation #zanzibar #musicawards #flashback
Flashback Time!🎶
This May, we’re looking back at some of the standout moments from last year’s music support initiatives🎸
This week, we’re spotlighting the incredible jury behind the 2025 Emerson Zanzibar Music Award — the minds who made it all possible. Without their expertise and dedication, there would be no competition! 🏆
-
Stay with us as we share more from this journey [1/4].
-
-
-
Special thanks to our head of jury John Kitime 🙌 @john_kitime
-
Become a member of the Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation, to support the Zanzibar arts & culture!❤️
#emersonfoundation #zanzibar #musicawards #flashback #behindthescenes
-
Photo by: Markus Meissl
We are thrilled to welcome you to an open studio exhibition of Jan van Esch’s Ghabh - Nipe Nikupe, that explores the rich narratives embedded in textiles.
đź•™ *Exhibition Dates:* February 12 - April 9, 2026
đź“Ť *Location:* Emerson Foundation Gallery, 236 Hurumzi Street, Stonetown
đź•” *Opening Hours:* Tuesday - Sunday, 10 AM - 6 PM
In this thought-provoking exhibition, Jan van Esch transforms abandoned clothing into a powerful commentary on culture, identity, and the textile waste crisis. By scavenging garments from Amsterdam, Berlin, and Dar es Salaam, Jan highlights how clothing can serve as a communicative system bridging cultural divides through visual language.
The journey of clothing, from cherished garment to discarded waste reveals complex layers of meaning. Jan’s patchworks and intricate drawings celebrate these fragments, bringing new life and story to what we wear and waste. Through his art, he invites us to move beyond monologue to dialogue, questioning how we engage with textiles in our daily lives.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with Jan’s compelling installations and join the conversation about the global implications of our fashion choices. We look forward to welcoming you to this vibrant exhibition!
With thanks to @veritaszanzibar @emersonspicezanzibar and Emerson on Hurumzi for supporting this exhibition
📸✨ *Be sure to follow us for sneak peeks and highlights as we countdown to the opening!* #GhabhExhibition #JanVanEsch #EmersonFoundation #Textiles #artexhibitions
*🎉 Join Us for the 10th Emerson’s Zanzibar Foundation Music Award 2026 🎶*
đź—“ LIVE PERFORMANCE
đź“… Date: February 4, 2026
đź•“ Time: From 4 PM
đź“Ť Location: Mnazi Mmoja Grounds
🌟 Come Enjoy and discover a new Zanzibar’s musical talent!
🏆 AWARD CEREMONY
đź“… *Date:* February 7, 2026
đź•— *Time:* 8:30 PM
đź“Ť *Location:* Mnazi Mmoja Grounds
Celebrate the best in music and witness the awarding of exceptional talents who have made their mark in our music scene!
✨ Everyone is welcome! Bring your friends and family to enjoy the sights, sounds, and rhythm of Zanzibar!
For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Email:[email protected]
Whatsapp: +255 687 048 767
#EmersonsZanzibar #MusicAward2026 #TaarabFusion#ZanzibarVibes
