Solfest has unveiled the second phase of its five-year strategy to become the continent’s premier destination festival.

Following a high-impact pilot in Kigali, the festival is now set to light up Uganda and Tanzania with a series of immersive pre-events.

“The goal of Solfest has always been to bring people together,” said Moriasi Omambia, General Counsel & Head of Business Affairs, Sauti Sol Group. “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.”

Building on last year’s Kigali debut, Solfest is taking its signature blend of music, art, and community to new heights. While the full-scale festival remains anchored in Nairobi this December (18–20), the Kampala and Dar es Salaam editions will offer high-energy, DJ-led parties designed to showcase East Africa’s sonic vibrancy.

Expect a curated mix of East African hits, nostalgic R&B sing-alongs, and genre-bending sets from the region’s top DJs. These events are more than warm-ups—they’re the beginning of a touring circuit for artists and DJs across East Africa.

In a bold twist, Solfest is teeing up a celebrity golf showdown at Serena Nile (Kampala) and Serena Dar es Salaam. The 18-hole, two-ball match will pit the Solfest team against two beloved East African celebrities known for their swing

“Beyond the music, we’re introducing a unique golf challenge that sets the stage for the Creator’s Cup, a celebrity-driven golf league we plan to launch in the future,” Omambia added.

This playful competition adds a new layer to Solfest’s cultural footprint, blending sport, entertainment, and regional pride.

Solfest’s expansion signals a strategic leap toward becoming a full-fledged destination festival. By creating multi-city experiences, the organisers aim to spark a new wave of cultural tourism—encouraging fans to travel, connect, and celebrate East Africa’s rich artistic tapestry.

“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,” said Omambia.

With Kigali as the blueprint and Kampala and Dar as the next chapters, Solfest is writing a new story for African festivals, one city at a time.