Looking for a scintillating weekend of open-air jazz concerts, story telling, poetry readings, free music and literary workshops, VIP dinners and the best after parties in town? Then you’ve come to the right place. Welcome to Jahazi Literary & Jazz Festival 2012!

Join us for a long and lazy weekend of literary and jazz delights featuring home grown and international talent, all ready to take center stage in the world heritage site of Stone Town, Zanzibar.

Our festival is a jewel in Zanzibar’s cultural crown. Culture vultures enjoy close encounters with writers and musicians, while also getting put their feet up and enjoy island-life.The rich diversity of festivalgoers, all looking for first class entertainment, also enjoy being mentally stimulated by great debate, frank, and honest discussion. And so, to balance out the fun-side of our festival, we have a topical theme each year that highlights serious issues and encourages festivalgoers to take part in open debate and share their views.

This year’s hot topic - ‘The current global economic state, its origin and relevance to Africa, and where should we go from here?’ - is not to be missed. Join two soon to be revealed high profile personalities in the hot seat for a tough talking and thought provoking experience that will leave you feeling informed and inspired!

The 2012 artist line-up is coming soon - so keep your eyes peeled. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news.

Miss. Salha Haji Omar, from Mpapa Secondary School, was awarded a university scholarship for winning the Jahazi Literary & Jazz Festival schools writing competition.

The founder of Jahazi Literary & Jazz Festival, Mr Abeid Amani Karume, and the Minister of Education, Mr. Ramadhan Abdalla Shaban, awarded the scholarship to Miss. Omar at a public ceremony at Mpapa Secondary School on Monday the 26th of April.

Mr. Karume said: “Salha, when you graduate we expect you to become a productive member of our society, and where ever you may reach do not forget your past and your country. This scholarship will widen the goals and aspirations of its winners, and we wish them well in their endeavours.”