Zan- It's 1:05 pm, when our boat docks in to Zan zibar harbour. I disembark to look for a taxi to the hotel. I thought Dar es Salaam was hot, but this place is steaming.

But despite the harsh weather, tour guides are busy receiving guests, like me ar ar- riving in the spice island to attend the Sauti za Busara Festival.

I make my way to Kariakoo Children's Fairground, where the festival kicks off to a colourful parade.

With about 400 hundred performers Tanza- from different countries, including Tanza nia, Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Zambia and South Africa , the four nights of the festival brighten up Zanzibar, which has been in the dark since the end of last year thanks to a power cut.

And the seventh edition of the festival gathered thousands of fans.

"Many people thought we would fail be- cause of the power blackout, but I am glad we insisted," said festival's director Yusuf Mahmoud, as he gave a vote of thanks to the audience on the last day. The good, and the so-so Preparations The start of an event is as powerful as the end. And I can say Busara organisers got it right. President Jakaya Kikwete was part of the opening speeches, which brought in a national touch.

"It's not everyday you are welcomed by the President," said Jurgen McDonald, a tourist from the UK.

And the various sections that ensure a smooth flowing show gelled in well. From security, ushers, Emcees, and press co-ordi- nation everything was well executed.
Money, money From 4 pm the entrance fee was free to everyone but from 5pm entrance fees for Tanzanians was Sh 2,000 while foreigners paid Sh 20,000.

VIP was Sh 30,000. Which to many was a fair amount.

However, there were disapproving mur- murs when it came to drinks, since a beer went for She 2,500 and a soft drink Sh 1,000.

"I think the organizers should also consider normal people who can't afford expensive drinks," said Peter Amos, one of the Busara's fans.
No power Kudos to the Busara team for managing to throw the party in a town engulfed in darkness.

Though sometimes it would take 30 min- utes or more in switching generators.
Sound A lot of Bongo organisers should have the Busara committee numbers on speed dial.
The sound, unlike in many events was quite comfortable.

"Live performances require very good sound. We had to make sure we have it," said Mr. Yusuf.
Performers According to the festival's director, the committee was spoiled for choice on those who desired to take part in entertaining. But still some dropped off, last minute.

"We got quick replacements from our pool," said Yusuf. And most performers out did themselves.
Tanzanian performers That there are artistes in Tanzania, who can perform live, is promising.

Hands down for Banana Zorro for an elec- trifying performance.

"Playback is so yesterday," said Zulfa Ki- tuma, a hotel worker at Serena, Zanzibar.
Security Imagine a concert where your phone is safe, from pickpockets. That was Sauti za Busara.
The four days were very peaceful.

"I wonder if it was in Dar how many people would have been crying over their stolen jewel- lery or mobile phones," says Julieth Rwiza, a Dar es Salaam resident.
Facilities The lack of enough toilets at the Old Fort, where everyone had to depend on only two was a dampener.

The organisers should think of having mov- ing toilets the next time round.

I can't wait for next year! Those who out-shone At the festivals some artistes outdid themselves and left fans asking for more.
Here is the list: 1. From Tanzania, Banana Zorro proved, he is, indeed, supreme among Bongos young artistes. His ability to dance, engage the audience, and flex- ibility of voice took audiences to a cli- max. In fact, the fans had him sing two more songs after his scheduled time.

2. Thandiswa from South African did what many have failed to do. Her African beats were magnetic.

3. Makadem, the Ohangla Man from Kenya, who performed on the first day, never let the audience down.
His Anglo-Ohangla style, which fuses traditional Kenyan-African rhythms and harmonies with Caribbean and Western influences, made the crowd sing along .

4. Ba Cissoko from Guinea did wonders on the Busara's stage. Despite singing in French and sometimes in his native language he rocked beyond measure.

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