Sauti za Busara 2016 is Cancelled
Due to shortage of funds, Busara Promotions reluctantly announces Sauti za Busara 2016 is cancelled.
Yusuf Mahmoud, CEO of Busara
Promotions, said today “This decision was not taken lightly. We set
ourselves the target to raise US$200,000 before July, when we hoped to
announce dates for Sauti za Busara 2016. After meetings with various
stakeholders, we
extended the fundraising deadline to Aug 20. The amount of support we
were finally able to raise was well short, so we were unable to continue
preparations. The pressure was on further, as we were receiving
enquiries from all over the world from people needing
to know the dates, to make arrangements for their own flights and hotel
bookings. Selling tickets for Sauti za Busara was never a problem, but
these only cover 30% of festival costs”.
Yusuf continued, “Since 2004, we
had no financial support from the government in Zanzibar, the United
Republic of Tanzania or the East African Community. Despite tireless
efforts, support from donors, embassies and commercial sponsors has
reached an all-time
low. Busara Promotions is an NGO; the festival is non-profit. Friends
of Busara suggested we try crowd-funding. However, to be more
sustainable, before the 2017 edition our priority is to develop
long-term partnerships with donors and sponsors who share our
vision. If anyone reading this is interested to help keep Sauti za
Busara alive, generating employment locally, whilst shining the
spotlight on our rich musical traditions and promoting cultural tourism
for Zanzibar and Tanzania, please contact Busara Promotions.”
Annually in February over the
past twelve years, Busara attracted thousands of visitors from all
corners of the world to Zanzibar, at a time which used to be low season.
Even conservative estimates suggest since 2004 Sauti za Busara
generated USD 70 million
in revenues for the island. Meanwhile,
BBC World Service hailed Sauti za Busara as one of “Africa's best and most respected music events”. It is also included in
CNN's “7 African music festivals you really have to see” and tops
Afro-Tourism's list of “Best Music Festivals”.
Yusuf Mahmoud said finally
“Sometimes it’s necessary to take one step back, before continuing to
move forwards. Busara Board and management shall be working hard over
the coming months, to ensure the festival resumes stronger than ever
from 2017. Possibly
this will mean moving location, or making it a biennial event.
Certainly our priorities will be to keep the event accessible for the
local population, whilst seeking to build longer-term partnerships, with
the public and private sectors”.
Whilst the festival takes a
break, Busara Promotions continues with its regular activities to
promote African music, strengthen local know-how and build livelihood in
the regional music sector. Throughout the year, Busara ensures East
African artists are
invited to other international events and facilitates skills-building
for local artists and festival crews, through exchanges and training in
arts management, marketing, media and technical skills. This work, as
generously supported by the Royal Norwegian
Embassy in Dar es Salaam, is unaffected by the decision to cancel Sauti
za Busara 2016.
More info:
www.busaramusic.org | www.facebook.com/sautizabusara
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