Surprisingly, the highly anticipated Tusker Oktobafest 2024 main event, slated for October 26th and 27th at Nairobi’s Ngong Racecourse, has been called off. Yaani this year they have decided to each their own. Where is that middle finger emoji when I need it?
This news is a shock to many Kenyan music and beer enthusiasts eagerly looking forward to the festival’s return after last year’s epic showdown.
Rewind to October 2023, and the memories are still fresh. Nyashinski, arguably the highlight of last year’s OktobaFest, left the crowd in awe with his electrifying performance including his surprise, when he called Jux to the stage.
In a nostalgic twist, he even brought out his former Kleptomaniax bandmates, Collo and Roba, sending fans into a frenzy. It was a moment that epitomized the festival’s ability to blend the old school with the new, creating unforgettable experiences.
But as they say, the only constant in life is change. EABL, through its flagship brand Tusker, dropped the bombshell on Friday, October 4th, 2024. In an official statement, they announced the cancellation of the main event, citing a shift in strategy rather than any specific challenges.
RELATED: Tusker OktobaFest Nairobi 2023 | Complete Review of The 3- Day Event
“October is the month to celebrate beer, everywhere in the world,” the statement began, acknowledging the five-year legacy of Tusker Oktobafest. “This year our vision remains true – taking beer, food & culture, and showcasing amazing talent and music experiences nationwide.”
Instead of the grand two-day festival, EABL is pivoting to a series of mini-shows across the country. The aim? To provide fans with “more intimate beer and music experiences” right in their neighborhoods. It’s a bold move, decentralizing the celebration and potentially bringing the Oktobafest vibe to a wider audience.
For those who had already snagged early bird or advance tickets, fear not. EABL has promised a 100% refund within 14 days, ensuring no fan is left out of pocket.
This cancellation comes on the heels of the recent WalkerTown concert, which faced its own set of challenges. From Lauryn Hill’s 3 AM performance to Nyashinski’s unexpected absence from the stage, and reports of ticketless entry, the event left many questioning the state of large-scale music festivals in Kenya.
But let’s not write off the Nairobi music scene just yet. Last year’s OktobaFest proved that when done right, these events can be magical. Remember the mixed reactions to Diamond Platnumz’s performance? Or the nostalgia-inducing sets from legends like Kalamashaka, Necessary Noize, and Nameless? It’s these moments of triumph and controversy that keep us coming back for more.
As we bid farewell to the grand Oktobafest at Ngong Racecourse, at least for this year, let’s embrace the change. Who knows? These intimate, nationwide celebrations might just uncover the next big thing in Kenyan music. After all, it was at high school events like these that groups like Kleptomaniax, Boomba Clan, and even Sauti Sol first cut their teeth.
So, keep your eyes peeled and your taste buds ready. EABL promises more updates in the coming days about where you can catch these mini-Oktobafests. Whether you’re in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, or anywhere in between, chances are the celebration will be coming to a bar near you.
What are we celebrating anyway? Smh