Music is an art that brings souls together. It is what binds hearts, speaking the deepest of languages that is understood by thousands around the world.

Now, imagine mixing music and travel, the two will give you adventure and joy. Although music festivals are not that big of deal to some people, they create one of the most diverse interactions for so many people across the globe. They travel from wherever they are just to attend some of the biggest music festivals in the world.

Clear your calendar this year for some of Africa’s biggest music festival.

Bushfire Festival- Swaziland

The festival supported by MTN is going into its 11th year of being one of the most celebrated festivals across Africa. Bushfire festival has a line up of over 100 artists reportedly coming from over 45 countries all over the world. Each with a diverse genre of music for the revelers to enjoy. The festival lasts two days and gives the proceeds of the event to charity in Swaziland. This year, the Bushfire festival will take place from the 26th – 28th of May which will mark 11 years and growing strong. The event brings together arts, food, and music for people who attend.

Mawazine Festival- Morocco

The festival which takes place in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, attracts some of the world’s biggest artists such as Wyclef Jean and Christina Aguilera. The festival has been running for over 16 years and is founded by Maroc Group. Its name “Mawazine” means Rhythm of Music and this year it will be happening from the 12th – 20th of May with five stages for different genres of music where one of the stages allows revelers to attend the concerts for free.

Festival des Musiques Urbaines d’Anoumabo- Ivory Coast

The festival was created in 2008 and since then it has grown to attract crowds beyond the West African nation of Ivory Coast. The festival takes place in Anoumabo, a site that is in line with the founders (Magic System) of the festival whose history is rooted in the area. FEMUA as it is commonly known will take place from the 19th – 24th of April with artists representing the best of French speaking Africa.

Sauti Ya Busara- Zanzibar

Meaning “sounds of wisdom” the festival came into inception in 2014 and is organised by a Non- profit Organisation called Busara Promotion with the goal of promoting East African music. 11 years later, it has grown to hosting artists from all over the world and showcasing the beauty of live East African music. Although the event already took place this February, you can still plan for it next year.

Enkuuka Ya CBS- Uganda

You might laugh it off as just an event you wouldn’t attend but this is one of the biggest music festivals to come out of Uganda that promotes some of the country’s talent. You have artists from Afrigo, Ronald Mayinja to Navio and Keko all performing courtesy of the Buganda Kingdom. The festival attracts thousands of music enthusiasts all over Uganda for over a decade and happens every 31st of December.

International Jazz Fest- South Africa

In the heart of Cape town every year, is one of the grandest festivals on the continent. The jazz festival attracts some of the biggest music acts in the world to grace the industry all performing live on five different stages. The show boasts of a diverse attendance of music lovers from all over the world as well as catering to acts from South Africa. The jazz fest will take place from the 31st – 1st of April this year in Cape Town.