ZANZIBAR: NINETEEN artists and performance groups from Africa, North America and South America have been confirmed for the second edition of the FuTopia Festival, which will take place on August 8th and 9th at Fumba Town, Zanzibar.
Organised by Busara Promotions, the team behind the internationally recognised Sauti za Busara festival, the two-day event will combine live music, art, food, wellness and community activities.
The line-up includes DJ Lag (South Africa), DJ Joozey, DJ Zoro, Midimu Collective, Baba Kash & The Band, Brainboy & Tarazouk Band, GlobalLocal, Princekim, DCMA Taarab & Kidumbaki Ensemble, Rody Joh, Ngoma World, Sauti Marley, Zainooba, Hammer Q and Ruth Mlawa from Tanzania, Vania Ice from Burundi, La Negra Mexa y las Cumbiancheras from Mexico, Sidi Blue Moon from Canada and Playroots from Chile.
Festival Director Journey Ramadhani told the ‘Sunday News’ that this year’s edition builds on the success of its 2025 debut and will feature a larger programme with more artists, activities and visitor experiences.
“The response to the first edition showed there is demand for an event that offers more than entertainment. This year we have expanded the programme, welcomed more international artists and created more opportunities for visitors to engage with local creatives, businesses and communities.”
During the day, visitors can attend the Kwetu Kwenu Community Market, browse products by local artisans and designers, sample food at the Food Art Street area, take part in wellness sessions at the Afya Zone, play traditional games at the Asili Games area and enjoy activities for children and young people at the Wonder Zone.
The programme will also include creative workshops, art installations, sustainability initiatives and interactive exhibitions. Daytime activities are free and open to the public.
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“Daytime activities are free for everyone, making the festival accessible to the wider community. Tickets are only required for the evening concerts, and we encourage people to book early while advance prices are still available,” he said.
Ramadhani urged festivalgoers to secure their advance tickets through www.futopia.africa/tickets, noting that standard ticket prices will apply once the early booking period ends.
In the evening, the festival will shift its focus to live performances, with artists representing a range of musical styles including Afro House, Gqom, Singeli, Afro-pop, traditional African music and live band performances.
Festival Director Journey Ramadhani said FuTopia had been created as more than a music festival.
“FuTopia brings together music, creativity, culture and community in one space. We want people of all ages to experience African creativity, whether they come for the concerts, the markets, the workshops or the family activities,” Ramadhani noted.