Sauti za Busara 2025 to champion gender equality

Dar es Salaam. The 22nd edition of the Sauti za Busara music festival is set to spotlight gender equality and raise awareness against gender-based violence while promoting opportunities for women in leadership.

This year’s festival, themed “Voice for Peace,” will take place from February 14 to 16 at the Old Fort in Zanzibar.

Speaking at the festival’s launch, European Union Ambassador Christine Grau emphasised the importance of empowering women to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

“This year, we are promoting initiatives focused on gender equality to help women take up leadership roles,” she said. “We want to inspire women to break barriers, reach their full potential, and shape their future as they envision it. Through this platform, we aim to ensure women’s voices are heard loudly and clearly.”

Ms Grau also highlighted the festival’s Gender Transformative Action Programme, which includes the ‘Breaking the Glass Ceiling’ campaign.

This initiative will feature gender-focused video screenings, information booths, and messages from inspiring female musicians.

“This platform is a celebration of the achievements of women, showing us all that the sky is truly the limit,” she added.

The festival has partnered with the Government of Zanzibar, the European Union, and UN Women to amplify women’s voices and raise awareness about available services for survivors of gender-based violence in Zanzibar, such as one-stop centres and gender desks.

The festival director Journey Ramadhan described the event as a celebration of peace, unity, creativity, and diversity.

“Sauti za Busara 2025 promises to be a truly unforgettable event. Under the theme ‘Voices for Peace,’ we aim to harness the power of music to inspire harmony and raise awareness of the transformative role music plays in our societies,” he said.

He added that the festival will showcase a line-up of artists championing peace, inclusion, and social justice.Managing Director of Busara Promotions Lorenz Herrmann highlighted the festival’s role in boosting Zanzibar’s tourism and creating employment opportunities.

“For years, Sauti za Busara has provided a platform for networking and collaboration among artistes from across the globe while contributing significantly to Zanzibar’s tourism sector,” Herrmann said.

He noted the festival’s long-term goal of building resilience and fostering partnerships.

“With strong support from the corporate and private sectors, we can continue to promote and grow the festival,” he added.

Sauti za Busara has become a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and a driving force for social change, with its commitment to empowering women and promoting peace standing out as hallmarks of the 2025 edition.