Sebunjo to represent Uganda at Sauti Za Busara fest
Sebunjo will perform with his Sundiata Band. PHOTO BY EDGAR R. BATTE
Joel Sebunjo will represent Uganda at the annual Sauti Za Busara Festival, which starts this Thursday in Zanzibar. Sauti Za Busara, translated for sounds of wisdom, takes place between Thursday and Sunday.
Sebunjo will perform on the opening night at the Old Fort in Stone Town, Zanzibar. This is his second time at East Africa’s top festival, having performed there in 2010.
“I will be performing for an hour. I am glad to be back at Sauti Za Busara and I am challenged because it is not just any fete. I will have to meet the high expectations of the public at the festival,” he said during an interview.
The 27-year-old Kora performer said he is looking forward to putting up the best performance ever in the Busara records. “People should remember me as a mover and shaker,” he added.
Sebunjo stands out for his unique artistry playing the Kora, a West African instrument, which he uses to perform songs that celebrate Africa.
Dr Jose Chameleone, Qwela Band and Percussion Discussion Africa are some of the other Ugandan artistes who have performed at the festival, which is now in its eleventh year. Sebunjo will be travelling with five members of his Sundiata Band tonight. He has performed at various festivals in Africa and Europe.
Last year he was the winner of the prestigious French government Visa Pour la Creation award that recognises young exceptional African talent. Sebunjo and his Sundaita Band is just one of around 30 groups representing the best in African music and its Diaspora at this year’s fest.
