Africa’s inaugural bi-annual international Cocktail and Spirits festival, AJABU, is poised to make its debut in Johannesburg and Cape Town from March 10-18, 2024.

The term “AJABU” translates to ‘wondrous’ or ‘amazing.’ The festival will embrace the diversity of the hospitality industry across Africa, linking brands, the bar trade, media and cocktail enthusiasts.

Crafted by Colin Asare-Appiah (recognised in Bar World’s 100 Most Influential Figures 2023, Co-Author of “Black Mixcellence,” and a Finalist in the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s 2023 Spirited Awards® for Best Bar Mentor) and Mark Talbot Holmes (founder of U’Luvka Vodka), AJABU aspires to position itself as Africa’s premier spirits and cocktail festival.

In Johannesburg, festival-goers can look forward to experiencing the unique offerings of bars such as Sin + Tax, Saint, Smoking Kills, Cin Cin Zioux, Mesh Club and Marabi Club. Cape Town will host festivities at Cause/Effect, Art of Duplicity, Chef’s Warehouse, Hacienda, The Drinkery, House of Machines, Asoka, and Talking to Strangers.

AJABU will return for another week-long event in both cities in November 2024, in collaboration with the Cape Town Beverage Show. For more events, click here.