2026 Line Up
The FuTopia 2026 is set to host an eclectic lineup of artists spanning continents, cultures, and generations-where traditional heritage sounds meet experimental futurism. From pioneers preserving ancestral musical traditions to innovators pushing the boundaries of contemporary sound, audiences will experience a dynamic fusion of past, present, and future. These are your FuTopia 2026 Artists.
DJ LAG
South AfricaWidely known as the "Gqom King," DJ Lag (born Lwazi Asanda Gwala) is a pioneering South African DJ, producer, and cultural innovator credited with shaping and internationalizing Gqom, the powerful and percussive electronic music genre that emerged from Durban. His most high-profile international recognition came when he was tapped to co-produce "My Power" for Beyoncé's Grammy-nominated album The Lion King: The Gift (2019) — a track featuring Beyoncé, Busiswa, Yemi Alade, Tierra Whack, and Moonchild Sanelly, which was subsequently included on Beyoncé's critically acclaimed Black Is King visual album.
Mister Joozey
TanzaniaMister Joozey is Tanzania's most in-demand DJ — the selector who sets the tempo of Dar es Salaam's nightlife and carries it to stages across East Africa and Dubai, with nominations at the Tanzania Music Awards and AFRIMMA.
His signature: singeli — Tanzania's 200-BPM street fire — welded to the deep pulse of Afro House. His debut single "Tobetsa" features Marioo and Musa Keys. In 2023, he became the first artist ever to perform on the summit of Kilimanjaro — a sixteen-minute set announcing Tanzania's arrival on the global dancefloor.
Vania Ice
BurundiMuhimpundu Vania, known by her stage name Vania Ice, is a Burundian artist making her mark with an innovative approach to Afro Fusion. A reckoned force in Burundian pop-music, she is blending African rhythms with contemporary sounds. Vania Ice’s music captivates a diverse audience, showcasing her versatility and deep connection to her cultural roots. With a vision to rise as a global ambassador of Burundian music, Vania Ice is committed to pushing boundaries and elevating Afro Fusion on the international stage. Her artistry and drive position her as a powerful force in shaping the future of African music, and she is determined to create a lasting legacy in the industry.
Midimu Collective
TanzaniaMidimu Collective is a pioneering Tanzanian DJ collective redefining the country’s electronic music landscape through the vibrant sounds of Afro-House and contemporary House Music. The name “Midimu” draws inspiration from the Makonde Tribe of East Africa, where Midimu refers to a traditional coming-of-age ceremony. With their motto "Ancestors Meet the Bassline" Midimu fuses two worlds that were never meant to be separate. From the Makonde people come the masked dancers and coming-of-age ceremonies — rhythm as ritual, movement as memory. From MIDI comes the language of the machines: the protocol that lets synths, drum computers and minds speak as one. Midimu Collective is the space between the carved mask and the modular rack — raw African heritage meeting cutting-edge electronic culture on a single dance floor.
Brainboy and Tarazouk Band
ZanzibarOriginating from Pemba Island, Brain Boy’s sound is inspired by traditional Taarab musicians like Makame Faki and Mohammed Issa Matona. In hearing his natural deep voice, he has been nick-named ‘Makame Faki Jr’ - the King of Kidumbaki, being blessed with the voice of the late master singer. Brain Boy creates a fusion of traditional Taarab and Kidumbaki with a new wave of Zanzibarian taped Zenji Flavor. In his music, topics such as love, relationships and social development take center stage, reflecting on the state of youth in Zanzibar in the 21st century.
Baba Kash
TanzaniaFrom a young age, Baba Kash's heart has been captivated by the art of singing, igniting his musical journey in 2003 with a deep passion for Bongo Flava music. In 2016, Baba Kash ventured into the dynamic world of Singeli music, quickly gaining recognition for his unique sound. Despite this success, he dreamed of forming his own band, and in 2022, that dream became a reality.
Baba Kash blends the highly energetic Mchiriku rhythms into his music, crafting a unique Swahili sound that vividly captures the essence of street life. His high-energy performances, backed by a talented live band and dynamic Singeli dancers, have earned him both local and international recognition. Baba Kash has performed on various local and international stages, including Sauti za Busara 2025, Marafiki Music Festival, Ongala Music Festival, Singeli Fest, and Jumatano Groove.
Ngoma World
ZanzibarNgoma World is a dynamic cultural movement dedicated to bringing the spirit and soul of Zanzibar to global audiences through immersive performances and interactive artistic experiences. Rooted in African heritage yet driven by contemporary creativity, the group has established a distinctive performance style that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation — transforming rhythm into ritual and performance into community.
Rody Joh
TanzaniaRODY JOH is an Afro House DJ and producer from Tanzania, East Africa, recognized for his immersive sound that blends deep rhythms, melodic textures, tribal percussion, and spiritual energy. With a unique approach to electronic music, he creates powerful sonic journeys.
Sauti Marley
TanzaniaSauti Marley is a talented Tanzanian singer, guitarist, songwriter, and music educator whose artistry blends Afro Fusion with socially conscious storytelling. Based in Bagamoyo, he has steadily built a reputation for creating music that combines rich African rhythms and soulful melodies.
Sidi Blue Moon
Canada / MoroccoSidi Blue Moon is a Moroccan-Canadian live electronic artist, multi-instrumentalist, and immersive storyteller based in Montreal, whose work bridges ancestral African traditions with contemporary electronic music culture.
HammerQ
ZanzibarBorn and raised in the rich musical landscape of Zanzibar, Hammer Q is a seasoned vocalist whose journey spans over a decade. Fondly known as "The Magician Voice", he brings a captivating blend of tradition and innovation to the East African music scene. Rooted in traditional Taarab and Zanzibari musical heritage, Hammer Q draws inspiration from legendary artists like Abdallah Issa, Seif Salum, and the iconic Siti Binti Saad.
DCMA Taarab & Kidumbaki Ensemble
ZanzibarDCMA Taarab & Kidumbaki Ensemble is a dynamic musical ensemble formed by students and teachers from the Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA) in Zanzibar. Rooted in the rich musical traditions of the Swahili Coast, the ensemble is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Taarab and Kidumbaki music while introducing these timeless sounds to contemporary audiences.
Princekim
TanzaniaBongo Flava with Afro-fusion influences through energetic and emotionally driven full-band performances. A graduate of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, his artistry is deeply rooted in storytelling, vocal expression, and a modern African identity.
Playroots
ChilePlayroots is a Chilean DJ, producer, and live performer whose work explores the intersection between organic instrumentation and deep electronic music. With more than two decades of experience behind the decks.
La Negra Mexa y las Cumbiancheras
Mexico / USALa Negra Mexa is a Colombian-Mexican artist based between Mexico City and Bogotá whose music fuses Afro-cumbia, rap, and powerful percussion-driven rhythms into an energetic and socially conscious sonic experience.
Ruth Mlawa
TanzaniaRuth Mlawa Artist is a Tanzanian performance poet and spoken word artist whose work boldly confronts pressing social realities through powerful storytelling, advocacy, and artistic expression. Using poetry as a tool for reflection, dialogue, and social transformation.
Zainooba
TanzaniaScene that often tried to silence her frequency, ZAINOOBA has become the Her sound is a journey through the cosmos-a genre-defying blend of driving house, By navigating the challenges of a male -dominated circuit, ZAINOOBA has transformed adversity into atmosphere, channelling the struggle for respect into a unique style that commands attention. Today, she stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, proving that when you refuse to be ignored, the island-the world- has no choice but to listen. |
DJ Zoro
ZanzibarDJ Zoro is an internationally acclaimed DJ and event curator based in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with over a decade of experience delivering unforgettable musical experiences across Africa and beyond. Renowned for his dynamic stage presence, technical versatility, and ability to read diverse audiences, he has established himself as one of East Africa's leading open-format DJs.
His performances are defined by seamless genre transitions and infectious energy, effortlessly blending Afro House with contemporary African and global sounds. Whether performing at luxury resorts, beach clubs, music festivals, destination weddings, corporate events, fashion shows, or exclusive private celebrations, DJ Zoro creates immersive sets that unite local and international audiences on the dancefloor.
With a deep appreciation for rhythm and cultural diversity, his musical repertoire spans Afro House, Amapiano, Afrobeats, Deep House, Lounge, House Music, Bongo Flava, Dancehall, Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Old School Classics, and contemporary commercial hits. His versatility allows him to tailor every performance to the atmosphere and audience, making each event a unique experience.
GlobalLocal
ZanzibarG.G. bin Harry Mziray, professionally known as 2G'z (formerly Neoblackwave), is a Zanzibar-based DJ, producer, sonic innovator, and spoken-word artist whose genre-defying approach has earned him a distinctive place in the global underground music scene. With more than a decade of experience as a DJ and over seven years as a music producer, 2G'z has developed a unique sonic identity rooted in experimentation, deep sampling, and groove. He is the creator of Deep Minimal Jazz, a signature sound first introduced on his debut album, Jazz•ish. His productions seamlessly blend the raw energy of old-school breaks and hip-hop with the immersive textures of deep house, minimal techno, electro-soul, and avant-garde jazz, resulting in rich, atmospheric soundscapes that are both innovative and dancefloor-ready. Beyond his work as a producer and DJ, 2G'z is an accomplished lyricist who weaves poetry and spoken word into his musical compositions, adding depth and narrative to his performances. He is the founder of Free.99 Records, an independent label dedicated to releasing his boundary-pushing productions and championing forward-thinking, uncompromising music. He also established Global Locals, a Zanzibar-based cultural initiative that connects local and international artists through innovative musical collaborations and creative exchange. Recognised for his fearless creativity and genre-crossing artistry, 2G'z continues to push musical boundaries while showcasing Zanzibar as a vibrant hub for contemporary underground culture. |