Jahazi Festival

• September

This is the first festival of its kind in Zanzibar, aiming to inspire youth through literature and music. It takes place each year in the beginning of September.

Literature is a traditional and popular way of inspiring people and music is equally significant. Music has always been used as conduit to connect people. Jazz is particularly important here, in Africa, as its roots extend backward over several centuries, representing a synthesis of many cultural influences including those of the slave trade right here in Zanzibar.

Building on the success of the initial Jahazi Festival in 2011, we will have entertaining performances, discussions, workshops, book reading and meaningful and thought provoking exchange between diverse groups of artists, festivalgoers and the local community.