Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Music In Africa
Published on 2024-02-02 06:46:40
Lorenz Herrmann has been the managing director of Busara Promotions for seven months and as the 2024 edition of Sauti za Busara approaches, he reflects on his experience and plans for the festival. Taking over from Yusuf Mahmoud, who had been running the festival for 20 years, was a big task, but Herrmann praises Mahmoud for leaving behind strong structures and a capable team. The festival, which has a considerable reach, requires extensive preparation and coordination, as it attracts over 20,000 people over three days and has a significant economic impact on the island of Zanzibar.
Herrmann has been surprised by the far-reaching impact of the festival and the economic benefits it brings to the island. Despite its impact, financing the festival is a major challenge, as it requires significant investment to host artists from across the continent. Yet, Herrmann is hopeful about expanding income-generating projects and securing corporate partners to ensure the festival’s sustainability.
The local community plays a crucial role in the festival, with over 90% of the crew members being from the local community. The festival has also initiated fringe events that involve the entire town, boosting the local economy and providing diverse entertainment options for festival-goers. Despite the challenges, Herrmann is excited about the upcoming edition of the festival, with a strong line-up and improvements to enhance the festival experience.
In terms of future plans, Busara Promotions is looking to develop a long-term strategic plan for the NGO and create income-generating activities to reduce dependency on donors and sponsors. The 21st edition of Sauti za Busara festival is set to take place in Stone Town, Zanzibar, from 9 to 11 February 2024, and Herrmann is looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience for festival-goers.
Herrmann’s experience as the managing director of Busara Promotions has been intense, but he acknowledges the strong team and structures left by his predecessor. He is focused on securing new partnerships and implementing new ideas while working towards the sustainability of the festival. Through his leadership, Herrmann aims to ensure the continued success of Sauti za Busara and create a lasting impact in the African music festival scene.
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