Why don’t we kick it off differently this time with a bit of History…
It’s 15th December 1922 and Kenya Breweries brews its first beer. The first batch is delivered to The Stanley Hotel and it elicits mixed reviews. In the AGM held in 1923, Kenya Breweries founder, George Hurst, names the first beer brewed Tusker after his brother is killed in an elephant hunting accident.
Fast forward 100 years and here we are in 2022! Kenya Breweries is now East Africa Breweries Limited, the taste, and color of Tusker are a significant improvement from the first batch made due to the use of malt barley instead of imported malt extracts (a decision that was made in 1929) and Tusker is currently the largest African beer brand in the Diageo Group.
Oktobafest and 100-Year Anniversary
It is going to be quite an Oktobafest this month with it coinciding with Tusker’s 100-year anniversary and stylenerds is honored to be invited to be part of the celebrations as media. And as media, we were treated to the Oktobafest media launch that was at the Ngong racecourse; Winning Post to be precise where the first leg of Oktobafest will actually take place.
The media launch was a buzz of activity and to no one’s surprise well organized as always. EABL has mastered ‘eventing’ for all its brands. Check out our take on The Walkers campaign for the premium whisky brand Johnnie Walker.
Back to the Oktobafest media launch. It was sort of a prelaunch of Oktobafest. The entertainment was great with performances from The Tusker Nexters finalists and dope DJs. This was a taste of what the public can expect for Oktobafest. The media and influencers in attendance got to experience authentic Kenyan food like samosas, mutura and even maindi choma… it doesn’t get any more Kenyan than maindi choma rubbed with pilipili on a lemon does it. The corn kid was definitely on to something!
Here’s What To Expect At Oktobafest
- 3 major events countrywide – Tamasha, Eldoret (October 8th-9th), Jamii Executive Gardens, Mwea (October 15th – 16th), and finale event at the Ngong’ Racecourse, Nairobi (October 28th – 30th)
- There will be different stages for performers based on music genres ie afro, drill, and electric
- All beer brands under EABL will be acknowledged so attendees can expect to learn more about the brands and sample them too
- A beer cocktail dubbed ‘shandies’ that will be available on the day of and on the site as well
- Performances from Tusker Nexters finalists together with other major artists
- 100+ acts
- Authentic Kenyan food including street food
- The best of Kenyan fashion
- Lots of Kenyan musical installations
To sum it up, expect authentic Kenyan vibes true to our Kenyan culture.
The Ultimate Beer Festival
Dubbed The Ultimate Beer Festival, this year’s Oktobafest is expected to surpass its predecessors in numbers and overall experience. “This year we are expecting the Tusker OktobaFest to attract over 30,000 people to celebrate our diversity and culture with great food and music to give our consumers a one-of-a-kind experience. Through these events in October, we will also be seeking to celebrate our great Kenyan vibe, energy and sound and as well promoting our local artists, DJs, and MCs. We, therefore, invite all our consumers to get ready to enjoy the greatest beer celebration in Kenya,” said Anne-Joy Machira, EABL Marketing & Innovation Director.
As stylenerdsjournal, we are absolutely excited to ‘beer-part’ of this year’s Oktobafest. We promise to bring you the best in style at Oktobafest so follow us on our socials!
