(Unguja) – Zanzibar Bars and Hotels Granted Six Days of Music for Festive Season
Zanzibar’s government has permitted music to be played for six days during the festive season in response to appeals from bar and hotel owners. This comes after an October 18, 2024, directive by the Arts, Census, Film, and Culture Council banning music in establishments lacking proper sound control systems.
The restriction aimed to prevent noise from affecting nearby communities. However, business owners argued the ban was too strict, especially in December, a peak period for tourism and celebrations.
During a meeting on December 14, 2024, in the South Unguja region, Minister of Information, Youth, Culture, and Sports, Tabia Maulid Mwita, announced a temporary relaxation of the rule. Music will be allowed for four days, December 24–27, 2024, and two days at the start of the New Year, provided the sound level does not exceed “volume 40.”
Table: Permitted Music-Playing Days
| Dates | Occasion | Volume Limit |
|---|---|---|
| December 24–27, 2024 | Christmas Celebrations | Volume 40 |
| January 1–2, 2025 | New Year Celebrations | Volume 40 |
While the decision was welcomed by many business owners, some argued the restrictions were unfair, particularly for establishments far from residential areas.
Kassim Mohd, manager of Sunner Jungle Club, highlighted that December is crucial for business as tourists flock to Zanzibar for holiday festivities. He requested the government to extend the relaxation for the entire month.
“Most visitors come here to celebrate Christmas. This restriction impacts our ability to offer them a festive experience,” said Mohd.
Others, like Mwakilembe Daniel, noted that complaints about noise often come from residents who moved into areas already established as entertainment hubs.
“Those who complain about noise often chose to live near these venues, which existed before their arrival,” said Daniel.
However, some hotel owners, such as Marisa Baretta of Avrora Boutique in Jambiani, expressed concerns about noise disrupting guests’ experiences. She noted that loud music deters some tourists and can lead to revenue losses.
“Some guests leave because they dislike the noise. Others refuse to pay, claiming they couldn’t rest. This creates financial losses for us,” Baretta said.
Minister Tabia acknowledged the differing perspectives and promised to relay stakeholders’ feedback to higher authorities for consideration.
“Our temporary approval for six music days comes with a strict volume limit. We will evaluate all input shared here to find a lasting solution that benefits everyone,” she stated.
