Solfest Unites East Africa with Kampala and Dar es Salaam Takeover Ahead of December Festival

Solfest, one of Africa’s most electrifying music and cultural festivals, has announced the second phase of its five-year plan to become the premier destination festival on the continent.

Following a successful pilot event, Solfest is set to unite East Africa by bringing its unique experience to Uganda and Tanzania this year, in partnership with two of the region's most esteemed brands: Serena Hotels and Hennessy.

Building on the foundation laid during last year's pilot in Kigali, Rwanda, Solfest is now taking its signature blend of music, art, and community to new heights.

While not offering the festival experience typically reserved for December in Nairobi, these events will be high-energy, DJ-driven parties with a music policy that celebrates the vibrant sounds of the region.

Attendees can look forward to a mix of East African hits and R&B sing-alongs, curated by some of the most talented DJs from the region.

This initiative not only provides a taste of the main festival but also aims to create a mini touring circuit for DJs and performing artists as the series of events grows in the coming years.

We are incredibly excited to build on the momentum from our pilot event," said Moriasi Omambia, General Counsel & Head of Business Affairs, Sauti Sol Group

"The goal of Solfest has always been to bring people together, and by expanding into Uganda and Tanzania with the support of partners like Serena and Hennessy, we are reaffirming our commitment to uniting East Africa through music and culture. We want to welcome our existing traveling fans and new friends to experience a piece of the Solfest magic in their home cities before they join us for the main festival in Kenya this December, from the 18th to the 20th."

"The upcoming phase of the tour will take place at the luxurious Serena Hotels in Kampala and Dar es Salaam, offering fans an intimate and exclusive experience. Beyond the music, this first edition will feature a unique golf challenge.

The Solfest team will go head-to-head in an 18-hole, two-ball match for bragging rights against two notable Ugandan and Tanzanian celebrities who are avid golfers.

This friendly competition, set to take place at the Serena Nile in Kampala and Serena Dar Es Salaam, serves as a precursor to what we will be calling the Creator’s Cup, a celebrity-driven golf league to be launched in the future.

The pilot event in November at the Kigali Universe was a major success, hosted by three of the festival’s founders: Chimano, Savara, and Polycarp. The upcoming events will carry forward that same spirit, showcasing the best of Solfest while highlighting the vibrant local cultures of Kampala and Dar es Salaam.

This expansion marks a pivotal step in Solfest’s journey to becoming a full-fledged destination festival, a strategy that is projected to unfold over the next five years.

By creating a multi-city experience across the region, Solfest aims to inspire a new form of cultural tourism, encouraging people to travel, explore, and celebrate the rich artistic tapestry of East Africa.