June 2, 2025
The language of music is a globally spoken language. Melodies travel – as waves through the air, as vibrations through the earth, as whispers through our ears and as emotions through our hearts. And with an archipelago travelled by many, Zanzibar sings its own unique song.
‘Music-induced delight’ – the literal translation of Taarab – speaks for itself. Taarab, a loanword from Arabic (طرب), is the most iconic musical genre in the Zanzibar archipelago and the Dhow Countries – a network of islands historically connected by maritime trade through traditional dhow sailing boats and cultural exchange in the Indian Ocean basin.
The term highlights the ecstatic feelings one may experience while listening to these distinctive melodies, melodies that were brought over land and overseas, from Egypt through the African continent along the entire Swahili coast, and over the Indian Ocean to islands such as Zanzibar. Taarab music is Swahili-sung poetry, featured by a diverse set of instruments such as the oud, qanûn, violin, double bass, accordion, tablas, riqq, daf and local percussion.
Every February, Zanzibar transforms into the epicenter of African music during the Sauti za Busara Festival – meaning “Sounds of Wisdom” in Kiswahili.
While taarab remains the island’s most beloved music genre, the island’s musical landscape is diverse and includes several other fascinating genres. You won’t be able to sit still while listening to the rhythmic and synchronised drumming of ngoma, or get drawn into kidumbak – a more minimalistic take on taarab. In recent years, bongo flava has emerged as a modern fusion of hip hop, taarab and Swahili jazz, reflecting the island’s evolving musical identity, while reggae – with its laid-back rhythms and conscious lyrics – resonate deeply with Zanzibar’s ultimate island vibe.
For hungry music lovers with an appetite for authenticity, we recommend these venues for inspirational live music experiences. Contact them directly for more up-to-date information about regular or special performances.
The Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA) offers an incredible window into Zanzibar’s musical soul. Their goal is to preserve, develop and promote the unique musical heritage of Zanzibar and the Swahili coast: the academy has trained over 1,600 students in traditional music, with nearly 70% focusing on taarab. Their intimate concerts provide visitors with unique opportunities to witness both master musicians and emerging artists perfecting their craft.
One of our go-to places in Stone Town. The Secret Garden at Emerson Spice is secluded and tucked away in a walled garden, and a magical haven away from the hustle and bustle of Stone Town. The Secret Garden truly captures the soul of Zanzibar – every Friday evening they welcome local musicians in the lush and ambient gardens. The Emerson’s Zanzibar foundation funds Zanzibari individuals with exceptional artistic talent – make sure to visit the exhibition once in Stone Town, it’s only a few minutes walk from the Secret Garden.
Every February, Zanzibar transforms into the epicenter of African music during the Sauti za Busara Festival – meaning “Sounds of Wisdom” in Kiswahili. This world-renowned festival, rated by BBC World Service as “one of Africa’s best and most respected music events,” showcases over 400 artists from across the continent.
The festival takes place in Stone Town’s historic Old Fort – Ngome Kongwe – a UNESCO World Heritage site that provides an extraordinary backdrop for musical performances. Over three days, visitors can experience traditional taarab orchestras alongside contemporary African artists. Cultural workshops and music education sessions are held throughout Stone Town, and the festival kicks off the first day with a street carnival parade featuring vibrant displays of Zanzibari culture. Sauti za Busara is a must-go-to event for every music and culture enthusiast, and it’s a fantastic networking opportunity for artists and the like.
When it comes down to live music, Mr. Kahawa café-restaurant has been one of the leading venues on the South East coast, proudly hosting musicians since the opening in 2014.
With almost a hundred events per year, our events feature both traditional taarab performances and contemporary interpretations, fused with modern electronic music genres, creating unforgettable evenings where guests can enjoy authentic music alongside our wholesome, locally-sourced cuisine and signature cocktails.
As music lovers ourselves, our event schedule at Mr. Kahawa is passionately curated.
We believe you truly connect with the Swahili spirit of Zanzibar through its art and music. As music lovers ourselves, our event schedule at Mr. Kahawa is passionately curated. We simply adore the music ourselves, and we genuinely wish for our guests to feel the joy and appreciate the music as much as we do. Culture and music are fluid – it is constantly evolving, influenced by the development of humanity and the world around us. It’s non-static and dynamic – and so are our events at Mr. Kahawa. We don’t get stuck in traditions, but absorb them, respect them, implement them, and fuse them with more modern developments, while staying respectful to cultural traditions.
We have a close connection with the DCMA – its teachers and former students are regular performers at Mr. Kahawa, and together we continuously explore new musical performances.
All of this results in a unique event schedule, with the finest inspirational concerts in a distinctive beach setting.
Supporting Zanzibar’s music scene through slow tourism creates meaningful, lasting benefits for local communities. Organizations like the DCMA rely on visitor support to continue their vital work preserving traditional music knowledge and training the next generation of musicians.
When travellers choose authentic musical experiences over generic entertainment, they help to sustain Zanzibar’s unique identity – an identity we’ve come to love deeply.
While we provide regular performance opportunities, a fair performance rate, coverage of costs and nutritious meals for all musicians, you can support local musicians by purchasing recordings, making donations and tipping when appropriate – these artists work tirelessly to preserve and share their cultural heritage in an incredibly challenging industry.
🗓️ Every Tuesday
🕖 7 – 9 PM
🎶 Live Music Performance
🍽️ Shared Dining Tapas Menu
A stage for talented African musicians, delivering captivating and authentic music in a unique beach setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. Experience shared dining with our creative tapas menu – explore a fusion of local and international flavours while sipping one of our signature cocktails.
🗓️ Every Thursday
🕔 4:30 – 8 PM
🎶 Afro House & Live Percussionist
🍽️ Beach BBQ
🛍️ Arts & Crafts Beach Market
Dance barefoot in the sand on Afro House, accompanied by live drum beats. Enjoy happy hour cocktails and watch Paje’s vibrant beach life go by while strolling the arts and crafts beach market.
A treat for all senses! Enjoy your favourite munchies from our outdoor food market in the shade of the Indian Almond tree, support local artisans and get inspired by the music of African talents. A perfect way to close the month.
Find yourself philosophising over the poetry of taarab
Whether you are drawn to tribal rhythms of ngoma, the eclectic beats of bongo flava or find yourself philosophising over the poetry of taarab, Zanzibar offers a musical heritage like no other. Explore the diverse sounds of wisdom at Mr. Kahawa, and let yourself be just as mesmerised by the island’s melodies as we are.
Can’t wait to dive in? Tune into the sounds of Zanzibar through our curated Mr. Kahawa SoundCloud channel – a taste of the melodies we love and share from the many talented musicians that have crossed our path over the years.
