Solfest East Africa has unveiled the next phase of its Pan-African journey, announcing expansion into Uganda and Tanzania with a series of DJ-driven parties and a celebrity golf challenge.
The festival, which held its pilot edition in Kigali last year, is positioning itself as a premier cultural tourism event. This year’s events in Kampala and Dar es Salaam will be staged at Serena Hotels, in partnership with Hennessy, and will showcase the vibrant sounds of East Africa alongside R&B favourites.
“These events are not just about music; they are about culture, unity, and creating a movement that transcends borders. Solfest aims to bring together fans across East Africa before its flagship December festival in Nairobi, set for 18 to 20 December,” said Moriasi Omambia — General Counsel & Head of Business Affairs, Sauti Sol & Sauti Sol.
In addition to the high-energy music parties, the Kampala and Dar es Salaam editions will feature a celebrity golf challenge. Festival founders and team members will face off against local Ugandan and Tanzanian personalities in an 18-hole two-ball match, a precursor to the planned Creator’s Cup, a celebrity-driven golf league.
Speaking at the Nairobi launch, Solfest’s East Africa lead Kendi Kamotho thanked key partners Serena Hotels, Madfun Travel and Hennessy for “believing in the vision and walking this journey with us.” She also paid tribute to Sauti Sol for daring to dream of a festival that unites the region through music and community.
Panellists, including Wilson Chimano, Moriasi Omambia, Diana Kerosi and Allan, echoed the message that Solfest is more than entertainment, positioning it as a bridge for tourism, culture and unity.
The expansion underscores Solfest’s five-year strategy to become a destination festival that inspires cultural tourism across Africa. By curating multi-city experiences, organisers hope to encourage fans to travel, explore and celebrate the continent’s artistic diversity.