By Ogova Ondego
Published December 31, 2014
As the temperature rises ahead of the general election in Tanzania in 2015, Zanzibar-based Sauti za Busara is hosting a ‘Songs for Peace’ competition with cash prizes as studio recording fees awarded for the best Songs.
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Cash prizes for the most creative songs shall be TSh4 000 000 (first Prize), TSh3 000 000 (second Prize) and TSh2 000 000 (third Prize).
Yusuf Mahmoud, Festival director, says, “Sauti za Busara 2015 festival will help to promote peace using music; whereby 15 local groups, alongside visiting international artists will voice messages of peace, unity and solidarity in their performances.”
The Songs for Peace competition shall take place during the 12th edition of Sauti za Busara music festival in Stone Town, Zanzibar, February 12 – 15, 2015.
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Though Sauti za Busara says the competition is open to residents of Tanzania or people of Tanzanian descent, it already has contestants lined up: Leo Mkanyia, Msafiri Zawose, Mohamed Ilyas, Culture Musical Club, Zee Town Sojaz, Ifa Band, Mgodro Group, Mabantu Africa, Tunaweza Band.
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“All Tanzanian groups participating in the festival are invited to compose a special song on the theme of peace and unity, and to perform this song during their festival sets,” Sauti za Busara says in a media statement.
