9 must-see African music festivals

1. Cape Town International Jazz Festival, South Africa

 

There's a reason why the Cape Town International Jazz Festival is sold out every year - it's a stalwart in the South African music scene, and a must-attend event for all jazz enthusiasts across the world. Apart from the performances from local and international artists, the festival provides training and development workshops across various sectors in the music industry.   

 

 

For more info, go to www.capetownjazzfest.com.

 

2. Bushfire Festival, Swaziland

 

"Bring their Fire!" is the call to action for this 100% non-profit festival. That's right, all proceeds to development projects within various communities of Swaziland. It's all about promoting arts & culture featuring music, dance, art, theatre, poetry, circus performers and more. The festival promotes creative expression and social responsibility.

 

 

For more info, go to www.bush-fire.com.

 

3. Vic Falls Carnival, Zimbabwe

 

Looking for an epic New Year's bash? Zimbabwe's got it going on - celebrate the start of the new year at the Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Vic Falls Carnival features three days of Southern Africa's top musical live acts, as well as a programme of activities including the Steam Train Party Express and eco-friendly initiatives.

 

 

For more info, go to www.vicfallscarnival.com.

 

 

4. Lake of Stars, Malawi 

 

 

Promoting a more positive image of Africa, Malawi's Lake of Stars focuses on the country's arts & culture scene with the ultimate aim of boosting its tourism industry. Set on the palm-fringed shores of Lake Malawi, artists from all over Africa and abroad form part of the lineup. 

 

Watch the Stars in Malawi documentary.

 

 

For more info, go to www.lakeofstars.org.

 

 

5. Sauti za Busara, Zanzibar

 

The Sauti za Busara music festival is an annual East African event that's widely known as 'the friendliest festival on the planet'. Around the festival, the island is abuzz with fringe events that include traditional ngoma drum and dance, fashion shows, dhow races, open-mic sessions, as well as performances of Zanzibar’s oldest Taarab orchestras - all arranged by the local community.

 

 

For more info, go to www.busaramusic.org.

 

 

6. Safiko Musik Festival, Reunion

 

From pop to rock, electro to French chanson, reggae to funk, Reunion's Safiko Musik Festival has talent and sounds to please every taste. The festival is more than a decade old; if you're planning on visiting the tropical island of Reunion, Safiko should be on your must-attend list. 

 

 

For more info, go to www.sakifo.com.

 

 

7. KigaliUp, Rwanda

 

KigaliUp is an annual music festival in Kigali, Rwanda featuring world music, reggae, funk, blues, hip hop and roots artists from around the world. KigaliUp helps celebrate Rwanda as an economic and social success story that brings people together to see the country's natural heritage and arts & culture.

 

 

For more info, go to www.kigaliup.com.

 

 

8. Marrakesh Popular Festival of the Arts, Morocco

 

While this festival isn't just about music, it is definitely a sight to see! Hosted in the lively streets of Marrakech, Morocco, this multi-day festival features artists, dancers, singers, theatre troupes and more from all over Morocco as well as Europe, Asia and abroad. You'll see performances from ancient folk dancers and traditional Berber musicians as well as belly dancers, fusion bands and pop musicians.

 

 

For more information, go to www.morocco.com.

 

9. AZGO Festival, Mozambique

 

Mozambique's AZGO Festival is all about promoting Mozambican music. The event forms part of the African Music Festival Network which allows Mozambican artists to participate in international festivals and foreign musicians to partake in it. The two-day festical takes place in Maputo City. 

 

 

For more information, go to www.azgofestival.com.