Bell Lager has announced the return of Bell Obafest, following a successful first edition held last year. This year, the festival will expand to three days, scheduled for October 18th to 20th at Jahazi Pier, Munyonyo. Additionally, the festival will span across the East African countries of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan, promising an unforgettable celebration of the region’s rich cultural tapestry.
“We aim to deliver a more memorable experience that showcases the rich culture of East Africa, allowing customers to experience how we celebrate music, food, and beer. Bell Obafest is back, bigger and better, thanks to the overwhelmingly positive reception last year, which attracted over 5,000 attendees,” said Matilda Babuleka, Marketing Manager, Beer Portfolio at Uganda Breweries Limited.
The festival remains committed to its core pillars: to position itself as a beacon of African optimism by showcasing East African culture through food, music, beer, and an unprecedented presentation of each participating country’s unique cultural identity, under a campaign named “This is How We Do.”
This year, Bell Obafest will feature four stages: the main stage, a second stage dedicated to cultural and alternative acts, a DJ’s arena, and the introduction of a Nexters Stage. The Nexters Stage will be open to the public, providing a platform for undiscovered talent to showcase their skills.
“In line with our ambition to be Uganda’s most inclusive and sustainable festival, we are pleased to announce our continued partnership with Light for the World Uganda. Together, we will collaborate to curate experiences that cater to persons with disabilities. Bell Lager has championed this agenda towards shaping a more inclusive society,” Matilda added.
Other partners include Swangz Avenue and Talent Africa, tasked with event production and artist and talent management, Solutions East Africa handling the event experience, Scanad Uganda for advertising and creative services, Corporate Image for PR and event communication, Saladin Uganda for media buying, and DigiTribe overseeing digital communication.
Impact Across Various Touchpoints
Bell Obafest is not just about celebrating culture; it’s also about making a positive impact across key touchpoints. Here’s how the festival is leaving its mark:
- Beer: As the festival’s title sponsor, Bell Lager is committed to providing a premium and authentic beer experience that complements the celebration of East African culture. This year’s experience will also feature the brand’s flavorful variant, Bell Citrus.
- Food: The festival provides opportunities for food vendors, fostering entrepreneurship and creativity. The event will include a food market with vibrant stalls representing the diverse culinary culture and unique cuisine from all East African countries.
- Music & Dance: The festival lineup features a diverse range of artists, including emerging talents, promoting the region’s music and dance culture while giving artists a stage to shine. The festival also provides a platform for content creators to showcase their creativity and earn from their talents.
A Beacon of Community Engagement and Sustainability
Bell Obafest is deeply committed to making a positive impact on the communities it serves. This year, the festival will support young vendors, entrepreneurs, and artists, helping them gain exposure, earn a living, and thrive in their respective fields.
Moreover, Bell Obafest is taking significant steps to reduce its environmental impact. Initiatives such as waste management, recycling, and sustainable practices will be in place to ensure a greener and more responsible festival experience.
Bell Obafest 2024 is set to be a monumental celebration of East African culture, bringing people together to savour the region’s unique flavours, sounds, and traditions. As we span across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating the beauty of our shared heritage.
