Tusker OktobaFest made a return in an expanded capacity. It occurred in the East African nations of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and South Sudan. OktobaFest this year promised to be the most spectacular commemoration of the region’s diverse cultural heritage.
The coordinators were committed to promoting the region’s distinctive cultural identity honestly. This is accomplished by showcasing its cuisine, music, fashion, artwork, sports, and so forth. Nothing brings people together more than a jug of beer.
In addition to DJs and East African musicians, nearly a hundred performers have been selected to perform this year. They guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime experience highlighting the diverse sounds found in East Africa, including Gengetone’s most recent hits, enduring Kenyan masterpieces, and the captivating rhythms of the continent.
Coordinating complimentary shuttle services between Kencom and Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) was undertaken to facilitate movement among festival attendees.
From the Jamhuri Sports Grounds, all Regular ticket bearers were shuttled by BasiGo, an e-mobility startup that aims to bring about a paradigm shift in public transportation. Conversely, VIP/VVIP parking was accessible at The Office Park.
Nevertheless, to facilitate their journey to the venue, attendees were advised to utilize taxi-hailing applications. Little and Uber, with whom KBL has partnered, provided transportation to and from the venue at a reduced rate.
Here’s How Tusker OKTOBAFEST 2023 Went Down
The largest beer festival in East Africa was held in 2023 at Ngong Race Course. It was a true celebration of the region’s distinctive culture by showcasing its cuisine, music, fashion, art, and sports, while beer is the unifying theme.
I have never been to any previous Tusker OktobaFest, so I went in with zero expectations. The planning was impeccable. Everything was evident based on the atmosphere. The support crew performed admirably.
It was a pleasure to witness our artists perform live, including K-Shaka, Necessary Noize, Big Pin, Mr. Lenny, and Nameless. Having these renowned individuals perform daily is suitable for the music industry.
Mejja made a splendid stage entrance, but his attire rendered him uninteresting on television. Although fans enthusiastically responded, it remains to be seen why he did not invite Bensol to join him on stage for their hit tandem, even though he was likely relaxing backstage.
Khaligraph at OctobaFest proved he’s a force to reckon with. The energy with the guy is something else. No comments here, just one sentence: THE OG WAS RESPECTED!
Nyashinski picked up from where Khaligraph left off, and damn, he didn’t disappoint. The highlight of the evening was Klepto’s performance, which concluded with Sauti Sol and Khali. Then, when we thought it was over, Juma Jux stepped in. Aaaah goosebumps. The sensational Tanzania’s RnB singer serenaded the crowd. I almost lost my voice. Jux is GOAT!
However, Diamond Platnumz did not perform to their full potential. It is unanimous among those who have witnessed Simba’s intensity on stage. During that time, that was not where his passion was. Most fans, too, claimed he didn’t give his best, but I wasn’t there, so I don’t have much to say about his performance. All I know is that I would have loved it.
All in all, they saved the best for last. The young cub Kinoti’s performance was electric! Ethan Muziki naked the show, and other artists performed considerably better.
Last weekend’s performances demonstrated that Nairobi can still host significant events. Nairobi is impregnable with support of this magnitude, while other East African cities stand no chance.
The harsh reality is that at this time, only Sauti Sol can bring a crowd from outside East Africa to international events. Despite Nyash’s considerable talent, he needs to improve in the International presence that his team and he must develop. He would only represent East Africans and Kenyans if he performed in the US or UK.
OctobaFest understood the assignment, and they delivered.
OktobaFest Marketing Strategy
Beyond providing an enjoyable experience, the current fair endeavoured to contribute to the betterment of the vicinity by affording over 500 merchants, artists, and event partners an opportunity to exhibit their wares and services.
Director of Marketing and Innovation for East African Breweries Limited, Ann-Joy Michira, stated at the commencement of the festival, “As we celebrate this year’s Oktobafest, we remain deeply committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve.
This year, through this festival, we will seek to support young vendors, entrepreneurs, and artists, helping them gain profit and exposure and a springboard to thrive in their respective fields.
By giving these talented individuals a platform to shine, we are not only nurturing creativity but also fostering economic growth, which is a key component of our sustainability strategy, Society 2030: Spirit of Progress.”
Safaricom had a deal with Tusker beer brand Kenya Breweries Limited to improve OktobaFest, the beer festival in East Africa. The KES 30 million technology sponsorship will facilitate connections at OktobaFest, increase registrations for Safaricom Hook, and support the operation of digital lives through M-PESA.
“At Safaricom, we have been at the forefront of powering digital lifestyles through M-PESA and being the biggest supporter of Kenyan communities, especially in music and sport. These have been some of the key passion points we have used in driving our purpose of transforming lives over the years.
Today’s partnership is symbolic of two iconic Kenyan brands coming together to celebrate our Kenyan-ness and leveraging our strengths to put together Kenya’s biggest cultural experience,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC.
Safaricom served as the event’s official connection partner by this agreement. At the occasion, the enormous telecommunications company demonstrated its 4G and 5G network prowess. The event was powered by Cell on Wheels (COWs) network towers and fibre optic cables that were supplied to critical areas such as registration areas, live stream production areas, and gaming areas.
“Tusker OktobaFest is the ultimate celebration of East African culture, and this partnership with Safaricom aligns perfectly with our vision.
By combining our strengths, we are crafting an unprecedented cultural experience, which is, of course, brought together by the best beer that East Africa has to offer,” said Anne Joy Michira, Marketing and Innovations Director at East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL).
Safaricom offered a particular data bundle plan dubbed “Oktobafest Bundle” that enabled users to live-stream the event and utilize 4G and 5G networks.
Safaricom also allowed users to use M-PESA to make fast and secure payments. Additionally, 10% compensation is available on all in-store purchases.
In addition, attendees received a 30% discount on trips when they used the Tusker OktobaFest 2023 Promo Code, FEST2023, when reserving and paying for rides through the Uber app. The giant telco company also established charging facilities throughout the occasion