Zanzibar to launch second major cultural festival

(eTN) – September 2 through 4 will see the inaugural edition of the “Jahazi Literary and Jazz Festival,” to be officially launched by Zanzibar’s President Ali Mohamed Sein. The island is already home to one of the most significant music and cultural festivals on the entire African continent, Sauti Za Busara, and this second festival is aimed to further entrench Zanzibar as THE cultural, music, and performing arts center, not just in East Africa but for the entire continent.

A press statement obtained from the Zanzibar government, issued by the president’s office, said: “I believe this festival will raise awareness on [the] importance of people’s culture, democracy, respect for human rights, and better management of Africa’s resources.”

Alongside the music performances, a series of workshops will be organized and the winners of a school writing competition on the theme “Writers for Peace” will be announced in a special award ceremony towards the end of the festival on Sunday.

The venue for the festival’s main performances is the Old Fort, and a nominal entrance fee will be charged to enter the area.

Adds this correspondent: “Peace through music, literature, and arts surely complements the better-known ‘Peace through Tourism.’ Flights to Zanzibar operate several times a day from Nairobi, Mombasa, and, of course, Dar es Salaam on several airlines including Precision Air, Kenya Airways, and Fly 540. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear African jazz interpretations.”