Preparations for this year’s biggest event, Tusker Oktobafest, have entered the home stretch with Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) team putting the final touches ahead of the first event day tomorrow. The three-day event, running from Friday to Sunday is the most awaited annual extravaganza, taking place at the expansive Ngong Racecourse.
Besides Kenya’s Nyashinski, two biggest East African acts, Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and South Sudan’s John Frog will join tens of artistes for the festival – with the latter duo jetting in tomorrow. The event team has been putting together entertainment, logistical, security and sustainability preparations ahead of the event, billed to be the biggest in the region.
Tens of artistes are ready to entertain thousands of festival-goers celebrating East African culture, music, and great beer. This year’s entertainers’ line-up, involving close to 100 artistes (including East African musicians and DJs) promises an unforgettable fun showcasing East Africa’s diversity soundscape. From the iconic classics of Kenyan music to the latest gengetone hits, and the irresistible rhythms of East Africa, Oktobafest has it all.
The meticulously curated entertainment roster not only showcases established industry heavyweights but also shines a spotlight on emerging stars. This dedication to diversity and inclusion ensures that Oktobafest is a platform for artists from all walks of life, offering an inclusive experience for all attendees.
Preparations this year have involved better mobility for revelers with free shuttles from Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD)at Kencom for festival-goers with tickets. Apart from parking spaces at the Ngong Racecourse, those driving will have alternative parking at Jamuhuri Car Bazaar area where they will be shuttled by BasiGo, e-mobility start-up looking to revolutionize the public transportation. However, revelers commuting to the venue have been encouraged to use taxi-hailing applications for ease of access. KBL has partnered with Uber and Little, who will charge discounted price to and from the venue.
The KBL team has also focused on environmental aspects, partnering TakaTaka Solutions for collection and segregation of waste from the event. The festival’s focus on celebrating East African culture and fostering cultural exchange through music is perfectly embodied by the inclusion of Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz and South Sudan’s own John Frog. They are set to bring their unique flairs to the festival, uniting East African cultures, and rhythms under one roof. The two are already in the country as they look to take to the stage.
From the throwback-themed Friday to the grand finale on Sunday, Oktobafest promises three days of non-stop entertainment and cultural immersion. The three-day Nairobi festival is the culmination of multiple events across Kenya and East Africa. Across Kenya, Tusker took Oktobafest Mombasa, Kisumu, Naivasha and Nanyuki.