There is no question that Africa is a hub for culture and arts – it’s music being a big part of it! In the past decades, the music festival culture has grown and every year, hundredths of music festivals for both locals and travelers are held in the continent. Here is our pick of the best ones in east and southern Africa!

Nyege Nyege, Uganda

Held in Jinja, a town famous for being the home to the source of the Nile River, the festival is inspired on the famous World Festival of the Black Arts that took place in Senegal in 1996. Three days of non-stop music include the best of contemporary African music such as Moroccan bass, swahili trap, Tigrinian blues, kuduros, Afro house, hiplife, and more! But that’s not it: the festival also aims to show the connections between African music and the rest of the world, so dancing to cumbias from South America, voodoo jazz from Haiti, and African-inspired hip-hop from the US are also an option!

This year: 1 – 3 September

Afrika Burn, South Africa

An official Burning Man branch, adhering to its original ten principles. It’s held in the Tangwa Karoo and, like Burning Man, it features statues and artwork that get burned at the end of the festival. It’s a must when in Africa!

This year: 24 – 30 April

Vic Falls Carnival, Zimbabwe

The perfect way to end and start the year! Close to the Victoria Falls, this festival brings together the greatest artists from Southern Africa, the coolest and craziest activities and travellers from around the world as well as locals!

This year: New Year’s Even

 

Sauti za Busara, Tanzania

One of the largest festivals in East Africa, it is held in the dreamy island of Zanzibar. Hundreds of artists perform every year, focusing on African music, from Swahili tunes, to taarab legends as well as pop and hip-hop!

Next year: 8 – 11 February

 

Bushfire Festival, Swaziland

Set in the Malkern Valley, this three-day festival brings together music, exhibits, theatre, poetry, films, themed workshops and more! It was listed by CNN as one of the seven festivals in Africa that should not be missed!

This year: 26 – 28 May

Lake of Stars, Malawi

 

The festival takes place on the shores of Lake Malawi and features Malawian and international artists. The festival is so good that it has become a focal point to visiting Malawi, a country that would otherwise be overlooked when traveling in Africa. That’s how good it is!

This year: TBA

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