Pricilla Mukokobi
Preparations are in full swing for the popular Zambezi Bream Easter Festival scheduled to take place in April and December to pay homage to the Zambezi heritage.
Organiser Ronald Mutakela said the first session is slated for 8 April 2023 over the Easter long weekend when festival goers will be engaged by over 100 micro, small and medium enterprises while participating in family-building activities, enjoying live music by local and international artists, exploring business opportunities and youth empowerment as well as fun competitions.
Without dropping names, he said three international artists have confirmed their participation at the festival.
“We are still working on four more international artists’ contracts to make it seven,” said Mutakela excitedly.
He told VIBEZ! they will also be working with more than 20 local artists under the engagement of building local talent to “international invasion”, as the festival will be streamed live on social media and radio, giving performers a chance to show international viewers what they can do to get a booking outside Namibia.
Last held in December 2022, Mutakela described the event as not just an ordinary festival but an international trade expo and business connect event, gathering people from five countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and Namibia.
“Micro, small and medium enterprises from those countries are meeting to expand relationships and trade on an international level. So, all countries are impacted economy-wise, and Namibia will gain most of the benefits as hosts,” he said.
Mutakela said it came as an idea of pulling the youth to a festival that has what they like – alcohol and entertainment – while exposing them to business opportunities run by other youth so that they can be motivated to perhaps focus on growth.
Even accommodation facilities, taxis and other local businesses that provide essential services will benefit, as many people travel to Katima Mulilo to experience the Zambezi Bream Festival.
Organisers are expecting over 10 000 attendees from all five countries combined, hoping to beat the current record of about 5 300 attendees last December.
He said Coca-Cola is a premier sponsor, and they are engaging more companies and different government institutions and SMEs to exhibit their products and services.
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