Sauti za Busara Music festival celebrates female talent on stage
Frida Amani lights up Sauti za Busara stage on February 14 as the music festival kicks off with a call for peace. PHOTO|Christina Joseph
What you need to know:
- The crowd at Old Fort erupted as she delivered a powerful set, proving once again why she has earned the title Madam President.
Zanzibar. Under the shimmering lights of Sauti za Busara 2025, Rapper Frida Amani took the stage and made history as the first female hip-hop artiste to ever perform at the festival.
The crowd at Old Fort erupted as she delivered a powerful set, proving once again why she has earned the title Madam President.
Her electrifying performance of Madam President, Anakudanganya, Mi Nawe, and Do You Wanna captivated the audience, blending storytelling with hard-hitting bars.
Frida, known for her thought-provoking lyrics, describes her music as deeply personal and reflective of real-life experiences.
"Hip-hop has always been about telling stories, and I want my fans to connect with every word," she shares. “For example, Mi Nawe is based on a true story—I met someone in a store, we had a moment, but eventually, we parted ways.”
Frida Amani is no stranger to breaking barriers. In 2024, she became the first Tanzanian artiste to participate in NEXT, a prestigious international conference hosted by Turkey’s national broadcaster, TRT.
Her ability to push boundaries stems from a mindset of never limiting herself.
"I knock on every door. I dream big and work tirelessly to bring my vision to life," says Frida. "I believe in persistence and investing time in my craft."
Beyond her personal achievements, Frida is advocating for greater investment in female hip-hop artistes. She believes the lack of funding and industry support holds many back.
"We need more people who believe in the potential of female rappers and are willing to invest. Seeing me succeed should inspire other girls to believe that it's possible," emphases the rapper.
A call for peace
The 22nd edition of the Sauti za Busara Music festival opened with a powerful message, "Raising Our Voices for Peace" on Friday, February 14, 2025
Speaking during the grand opening festival director, Journey Ramadhan highlighted the role of music in promoting harmony amid global conflicts.
“In a world shaken by conflicts, each of us has the power to be a voice for peace,” saysRamadhan. “This is not just about protesting injustice, it’s about fostering dialogue, understanding, and building bridges between people of all backgrounds.”
Adds that through music, powerful messages of hope and unity can reach hearts across the globe.
“We have witnessed conflicts across Africa and beyond. Let the music speak because voices for peace begin today and will echo through February 16.”
A Star-Studded Lineup
The three-day festival has drawn music lovers from all corners of the world, eager to witness performances from a diverse lineup of stars.
FridaAmani performed alongside celebrated artistes such as Thandiswa (South Africa), Blinky Bill (Kenya), Christian Bella & Malaika Band (Tanzania), Bokani Dyer (South Africa), and The Zawose Queens (Tanzania/UK)
Others are Leo Mkanyia & Swahili Blues (Tanzania), Kasiva Mutua (Kenya), Boukouru (Rwanda), Charles Obina (Uganda), Mumba Yachi (Congo), Assa Matusse (Mozambique), Nidhal Yahyaoui (Tunisia) and others.
The annual extravaganza is not only a celebration of music but also a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue.
This year’s theme stands as a reminder that through music, the world can unite to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding.
With the rapper, Frida Amani insisting that hip-hop is for everyone and female Rappers deserve equal opportunities.
As the festival continues through February 16, one thing is certain—the voices for peace and change are singing loud and clear from Zanzibar to the world.
