Stanbic attracts Stella Artois as Gold Sponsor for 2023 Music Festival!

(In pic: Stanbic Chief Finance & Value Management Officer, Mizimo Musokotwane (l) shakes hands with Zambian Breweries Plc Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Tawanda Hojane (r) during the Sponsorship Announcement in Lusaka.Photos: Stanbic)

Stanbic Bank has announced that world-renowned premium beer brand, Stella Artois, has signed a deal to be another Gold co-sponsor to the 2023 Music Festival, set to feature 3-time Grammy Award winning singer, Ne-Yo, live in concert.

American Rhythm and Blues (R ‘n’ B) singer, Ne-Yo, will be performing live in concert in Lusaka for two nights on the 13th and 14th. October 2023 as part of the Stanbic Bank 2023 Music Festival.

Announcing the development in a statement in Lusaka, Stanbic Chief Finance & Value Management Officer, Mizimo Musokotwane, hailed the Gold Sponsorship deal package as timely in helping the Bank successfully host this year’s Music Fest.

Stella Artois is a premium beer brand under the Zambian Breweries – AB InBev portfolio.

The brand is known for its high quality and exquisite taste; it believes in authentic connection, drawing people together to eat and drink and celebrate good times.

The history of the festival

The Stanbic Music Festival (SMF), initially borne out of the legendary Stanbic Jazz Festival, began its journey in 2014, as part of the bank’s efforts to grow Zambia’s music and arts industry, Stanbic have continued with the annual SMF, which will see a live concert being held for the first time in four years.

Throughout its 9-year-history, the SMF has showcased world-famous bands and artists, globally renowned for their chart-topping hits. From Boyz II Men at the 2017 Festival to Davido at the 2019 show, the festival has attracted thousands local and continental audiences and has also helped to showcase Zambian music internationally.

Ne-Yo to bring his showmanship to Zambia!

Ne-Yo, born Shaffer Chimere Smith in Arkansas in 1979, is an award-winning songwriter, actor, dancer and record producer. He initially burst onto the music scene in the United States, when he was credited for writing Mario’s 2004 hit, “Let Me Love You”.

But it was Ne-Yo’s 2006 smash hit single, “So Sick” that cemented his evolution from songwriter to global superstar. Stanbic Bank is excited to host this internationally-acclaimed star as part of the festival, which also includes talented local artists. The festival supports the Bank’s efforts to emphasise its commitment to supporting the music industry.

Stanbic seals K200,000 Gold Sponsorship deal with Stella Artois for 2023 SMF

In welcoming Stella Artois as the third Gold co-sponsor of this year’s Music Fest, Ms. Musokotwane said: “We are delighted to welcome Stella Artois as another Gold co-sponsor to this year’s Music Fest. Ne-Yo will be performing at this year’s Stanbic Music Festival over a two-day period on October 13-14, and it fills us with great excitement to have secured this latest sponsor. Stella Artois’ sponsorship, as a Gold co-sponsor, is valued at K300,000, which will entitle them to various benefits that come with all the advantages of sponsoring an event of this magnitude. We are delighted to embark on this journey together in pursuit of supporting the local music and artist industry in Zambia through this year’s Music Fest, set to be held at the Lusaka Polo Field.”

Zambian Breweries Plc Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Tawanda Hojane said: “It’s with immense pleasure that I stand before you today, representing Zambian Breweries Plc as we embark on a journey that resonates deeply with our commitment to the growth and prosperity of Zambia’s music and arts. Our beer brands, including Stella Artois, inspire and bring people together. We firmly believe in supporting events like the Stanbic Music Festival because they contribute not only to the growth of the entertainment and recreation industry but also present opportunities for our local businesses. I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Stanbic Bank and all the dedicated organizers who have worked tirelessly to make this event possible.”

While Golden Circle tickets have already sold out for both nights, other tickets for this star-studded event next month remain available, and are selling at:

• VIP – K2,000.00
• Standard – K600.00