dhow countries music academy

very special building insite with a art exhibit. Amazing local music with an wonderful performance. Enjoy.

We happened on the Music Academy as we were walking around, but it turned out to be one of those life nice surprises kind of thing. Everyone put on great performance, on a beautiful and relaxing evening.Food was simple, but it was still a very enjoyable evening that they put together. If you like live music and checking out the local music, it is worth checking it out when you are in Stone Town.

The building is very beautifull. Insite you have access to very impressive art. Beautiful paintings and amazing live local music concerts!! Totally recomend it.

After walking through the narrow streets of stone town under the hot sun for two hours or more looking for a major attraction which at least 167 people had directed us to we came across a fellow 'Muzungo' (European) who had the air of an expat. We immediately blocked his path and demanded he explain the way to us using more than a simple hand gesture pointing forward. The muzungu just looked at us with a sympathetic smile and answered "But why if you are lost in Stone town then you must be in the right direction, that's what everybody does here". He asked how long we'd stay in the town and invited us to see a concert at the customs house later that evening. We followed his advice about just getting lost and got everywhere we had wanted to go and also came across the customs house. Remembering the "Muzungu's invitation we decided spontaneously to see the concert, we quickly ran to the food market for some Tandoori skewers, got a cold beer and sat down to enjoy the concert on the balcony with the evening breeze blowing gently through the large windows. The first ensemble was made up of 5-6 musicians who played fusion African music, we were hypnotised by the woman singer moving subtly to the rich tones. The second performance was a group of young guys (we developed a little crush) who played their excellent original music. Our only complaint was that the concert finished too soon, we could've stayed there a lot longerprovided we had an extra round of Tandoori skewers and some more cold beer sold on the premises. After the concert was over we spoke to the friendly students who study music at the academy mostly as a hobby in addition to a day job, they expressed their delight at having the opportunity to lean and perform. We saw the singer from the first ensemble transforming back into her self as she covered her flattering leopard print dress with a long black Abaya. Back on the street we asked people to direct us to our hotel, they just pointed forward, so we did what you do in Stone town and got lost for a while longer letting the sounds we had heard echo through our minds as we went deeper and deeper into the winding network of dark allies.

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With my tourist friends we stumbled into the Dhow Countries Music Academy to find a music recital happening on the top floor overlooking Zanzibar's harbor. The academy's building is square and old with an interior patio. First, on the second floor we bought CDs of academy musicians--wonderful authentic recordings of local music. Second, we filed up to the third floor where a live music recital presented different types of local music from drums to sad, fado-sounding vocals to belly dancing. Everyone welcomed us tourists. We enjoyed ourselves listening to good music and entering into the social life of Zanzibar residents. The academy also has zumba, capoiera, and yoga classes.

It is a always a pleasure to see you return. DCMA would like to say thank you for the visit.

DCMA would like to say Thank you Mr Lancy for your review and we hope that we will see you again.

The dhow music concerts are the best and great value in Zanzibar. This is very good as it also encourages the students at the music academy.There are many concerts every week and check out, there is a big banner outside the school.

Much Appreciated, You are Welcome Again PamelaThank you.

It is a always a pleasure to see you return. DCMA would like to say thank you for the visit.

You are most welcome again and again, Thank you!

On a recent trip we spent two Thursday evenings at the DCMA, enjoying greatly the traditional Taarab concerts put on by Academy students and teachers, as well as visiting artists, who are at various levels of expertise. The setting, while not glamorous, is pleasant, with terrific views of the port. We felt welcome and admired the camaraderie of the musicians and their fans. This is a great opportunity to get out of the hotel and spend an hour or two out on the town and the price is right.

DCMA arranges the most breathtaking concerts and the price is very fair too!!! If on znz you can not miss this attraction!

I have attended concerts at DCMA many times and ALWAYS find them first-class in presenting exceptional quality music of Zanzibar..and fusion traditions of contemporary interest. I have also organized international groups to attend concerts and have workshops at DCMA and in every instance the Artistic Director, Mr. Matona, prepared a perfect programme that was filled with in-depth information on Zanzibar and beautiful Zanzibar music traditions. The staff at DCMA are very welcoming and the staff and students are always happy having visitors. The charges to attend concerts at DCMA are also VERY affordable. Anyone heading to Zanzibar should not miss a visit to DCMA...and it is so very close to where the ferry arrives and departs!