Events

AJABU: The Epicenter of African Mixology

February 16, 2024

3 mins read

african mixology international cocktail festival

AJABU, Africa’s premier bi-annual international cocktail and spirits festival, is set to take place in South Africa this March. The festival promises an exciting line-up of participating bars, brunches, tasting panels, and celebrations, with international establishments like Sweet Liberty from Miami and Trailer Happiness from London joining local favorites. Complimentary tickets are available, but with limited space, early registration is recommended. AJABU aims to celebrate Africa’s diverse people, ingredients, and beverages while providing a platform for innovation, collaboration, and creativity in the hospitality industry.

AJABU: The Epicenter of African Mixology

Learn about AJABU, Africa’s foremost bi-annual international cocktail and spirits festival, set to take place in South Africa this March. The festival promises an exhilarating line-up of participating bars, brunches, tasting panels, and celebrations. Notable global establishments like Allegory from Washington DC, Front/Back from Accra, and Sweet Liberty from Miami are expected to join in. Furthermore, AJABU is offering complimentary tickets, with limited space available, early registration is recommended.

AJABU, Africa’s foremost bi-annual international cocktail and spirits festival is all set to illuminate the global mixology scene with its upcoming event in South Africa (SA) this March. The festival promises an exhilarating line-up of participating bars, brunches, tasting panels, and celebrations.

The Origin of AJABU

AJABU was brought to life by Colin Asare Appiah, a revered figure in the Bar World and a top 100 Most Influential Figure of 2023, along with Mark Talbot Holmes, the mastermind behind the multi-award-winning U’Luvka Vodka. Their combined vision is to position AJABU as the premier African festival for spirits and cocktails.

The festival’s first edition will occur in Johannesburg from March 10 to 13, followed by Cape Town from March 14 to 17. Its purpose is to instill a sense of unity and inspiration in the hospitality industry across Africa and beyond. AJABU is meant to be a springboard for innovation, collaboration, and creativity while celebrating Africa’s vast diversity in people, ingredients, and beverages.

AJABU’s International Participants

The festival boasts an impressive roster of participating bars. Notable global establishments like Allegory from Washington DC, Front/Back from Accra, Hero Bar from Nairobi, Rayo from Mexico City, Sweet Liberty from Miami, and Trailer Happiness from London are expected to join in. These international bars will team up with local favorites such as A Streetbar Named Desire, Benchwarmers, Saint, Sintax, and Smoking Kills in Johannesburg, as well as Cause Effect, Fable, Talking to Strangers, The Drinkery, The House of Machines, and Tjing Tjing in Cape Town, to create unforgettable cocktail experiences over two nights.

Asare Appiah expressed his exhilaration about bringing such globally recognized bars to South Africa and the chance for them to collaborate with exceptional local establishments in a series of innovative industry events.

AJABU’s Engaging Activities

Further enhancing the festival’s appeal, AJABU is offering complimentary tickets, however, with limited space available, early registration is recommended. The festival assures a comprehensive schedule of Community Brunches and Tasting Tables, along with special events in each city.

In Cape Town, Ian Burrell, a celebrated rum ambassador, and the IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year 2023, will conduct a masterclass. Furthermore, the local and international bar communities will unite to mark the 50th birthday of AJABU partner and industry icon, Kurt Schlechter.

Seminars are planned in both Johannesburg and Cape Town to commemorate the South African launch of Pernod Ricard’s SIP, a program focused on upskilling and education. These sessions will highlight community-building groups discussing topics like menu design and storytelling, seasonal ingredients, cocktail trends, and the blend of techniques and technology.

Charlotte Voisey, Global Head of Ambassadors with William Grant and Sons, is also expected to lend her support to the festival’s activities.

To guarantee your participation in this symbolic festival, online ticket registration is currently open. Following the March festival, AJABU is set to host another week-long event in November across both cities, in collaboration with Cape Town Beverage Show.

In summary, AJABU is primed to be a spectacular celebration of Africa’s vibrant cocktail and spirits culture. It offers a unique platform that unites industry professionals, enthusiasts, and connoisseurs from across the globe. Prepare to ignite your passion for spirits this March with AJABU!

1. What is AJABU?

AJABU is Africa’s foremost bi-annual international cocktail and spirits festival, celebrating Africa’s diverse people, ingredients, and beverages while providing a platform for innovation, collaboration, and creativity in the hospitality industry.

2. Who are the organizers behind AJABU?

3. When and where is the festival taking place?

The festival’s first edition will occur in Johannesburg from March 10 to 13, followed by Cape Town from March 14 to 17.

4. Who are the international participants of AJABU?

Notable global establishments like Allegory from Washington DC, Front/Back from Accra, Hero Bar from Nairobi, Rayo from Mexico City, Sweet Liberty from Miami, and Trailer Happiness from London are expected to join in.

5. What are the engaging activities during AJABU?

The festival promises an exhilarating line-up of participating bars, brunches, tasting panels, and celebrations. Complimentary tickets are available, but with limited space, early registration is recommended. Seminars, masterclasses, and special events are also part of the festival.

6. How can I participate in AJABU?

To guarantee your participation in this symbolic festival, online ticket registration is currently open.

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AJABU: The Epicenter of African Mixology