The inaugural AJABU Cocktail and Spirits Festival launches this March with the ambition of reshaping the international culinary festival scene and putting African-made spirits and cuisine squarely into global gastronomic conversations. Reflecting the meaning of ajabu—wondrous or amazing—the two-part festival takes place in Johannesburg March 10–13 and Cape Town March 13–18, showcasing a new generation of African bartenders, distillers, restaurateurs and chefs.
Colin Asare-Appiah and Mark Talbot © Crave Concepts
The festival brings international expertise to South Africa, with 20 renowned bartenders from ten of the world’s leading bars collaborating alongside 20 top local bars and their regular patrons in Johannesburg and Cape Town. These creative mixologists will work with local venues to craft original cocktails, while offering education, mentorship and behind-the-scenes insight to both customers and hospitality professionals.
Attendees can expect a week of workshops and masterclasses, lively panel discussions, wine and spirits tours, and chef-hosted dinners at notable restaurants and bars across both cities. In Johannesburg, participating venues include Sin + Tax, Saint, Smoking Kills, Cin Cin Zioux, Mesh Club and Marabi Club. Cape Town’s program features Cause/Effect, Art of Duplicity, Chef’s Warehouse, Hacienda, The Drinkery, House of Machines, Asoka and Talking to Strangers. International bartenders and industry experts will also appear at various events, contributing global perspectives to the festival’s program.
© The Art of Duplicity
Curated by award-winning mixologist Colin Asare-Appiah (named among Bar World’s 100 Most Influential Figures in 2023 and a Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards finalist for Best Bar Mentor) alongside U’Luvka Vodka founder Mark Talbot Holmes, AJABU aims to spark innovation, collaboration and creativity while celebrating Africa’s diverse people, ingredients and beverage traditions.
“AJABU is a platform to celebrate Africa’s vibrant spirit and bartending culture,” said Asare-Appiah. “We’re committed to fostering the growth of the hospitality industry across the continent by inspiring and empowering the bartending community to push the boundaries of their craft while providing a unique platform to showcase the diverse and rich culture of African drinks and ingredients.”
Beyond tastings and competitions, the festival emphasizes knowledge exchange: sessions will focus on ingredient provenance, sustainable production, and techniques that highlight regional flavors. By connecting international talent with local producers and venues, AJABU creates opportunities for mentorship, product development and new collaborations that can elevate African spirits on the global stage.
For bartenders and hospitality professionals, the festival presents a rare chance to learn from respected international peers, refine practical skills and broaden creative approaches to cocktails and menu development. For consumers and food lovers, AJABU promises accessible events that celebrate authentic flavors—showcasing how African botanicals, grains and fermentation traditions can be reimagined in contemporary drinks and pairings.
As AJABU debuts in Johannesburg and Cape Town, it sets out to build ongoing momentum for African spirits and hospitality. By amplifying local stories, producers and techniques alongside international expertise, the festival aims to create lasting industry connections and spark new interest in the continent’s culinary and mixology potential.
Whether attending educational sessions, tasting inventive cocktails or joining intimate dinners, visitors will experience a festival grounded in craft, culture and community—an event that highlights the talent, innovation and hospitality that define Africa’s emerging food and beverage landscape.