Boyz II Men to headline Zambian festival

Last year, the festival hosted UK-based pop-reggae band UB40. The event is known for hosting international artists as well as some of Africa's biggest names. Hugh Masekela, Oliver Mtukudzi, Mi Casa, Earl Klugh and Zonke are among some of artists who have played at the festival.

This year's festival will also feature local artists such as Mumba Yachi, Chef 187 and K'millian. 

In a short video that was shared on the Stanbic Music Festival Facebook page, Boyz II Men member Shawn Stockman invited fans to attend the event. “This is Boyz II Men. We are calling all our fans out there in Zambia. We will be there at the Stanbic Music Festival on September 22 and September 23. Be there or be square,” he said.

It was also announced that the event, which is now in its fourth edition, would receive sponsorship from a partnership between Stanbic Bank Zambia and local cellular provider Airtel.

Stanbic CEO Charles Mudiwa told local media that he was pleased with the partnership. “We are happy to have Airtel on board in sponsoring this prestigious event," he said. "This event is our way of creating a legendary event platform that offers a unique artistic event that contributes to our culture and local tourism For us this year it all about the local artists and giving them a platform to share a stage with an international act.

“We have been in Zambia for more than 60 years and we’ve been part of the country’s growth story. Part of our commitment and investment in Zambia has been focused towards uplifting local communities through sponsorship of arts and culture. It’s also an opportunity to enable Boyz II Men to sample Zambia’s music and culture.

Airtel Zambia managing director Peter Correia said: “We are excited about this partnership and believe that this year’s festival will be even bigger than the previous years. We have always had a good working relationship with Stanbic and consider this partnership as the beginning to even more collaborations between the two entities.”

Tickets to the event are available at the Computicket counter at any Shoprite store in Zambia. To win tickets to the festival, open this link and follow the instructions.