Nthatuoa Koeshe
LEGENDARY jazz musician, Tshepo Tshola is set to perform at this second edition of the Africa Picnic and Camping (APICA) festival set for Ramabanta Trading Post from 1 to 3 March 2019.
Also scheduled to perform at the festival are South African Nathi and Beatenberg, alongside Lesotho-born Maleh, Major Seven and Mookho. DJs Nine24, Da Starr, Sir Schaba and Lady Dee among others will also serenade the attendees.
Organiser of the festival, Montoeli ‘Moleli, told the Weekender that this year the festival would be more adventurous than the first edition.
He said during the three days, they would have activities like horse riding, fun walks, games and a picnic.
“Unlike last year, this year we are bringing a lot more adventure with outdoor camping for accommodation,” ‘Moleli said.
‘Moleli, has earlier said that the aim of the picnic is to promote adventurous activities whilst also promoting family bonding.
“APICA is not a musical festival like LETOFE but an initiative aimed at promoting camping and bonding with nature, whereas music only serves as a catalyst,” ‘Moleli said.
He further said that they also aim to promote tourism as the festival is bound to reach out to the rest of the African continent.
“APICA is to expose the beauty of the African continent by allowing people to get in touch with nature as we host editions in different parts of Africa, with South Africa, Botswana and Swaziland on the list before expanding to the rest of the continent.
“Taking it to the rest of the continent will also work in our favour as it will intrigue more people to visit Lesotho and thus boosting our tourism influx.
“Since it originates in Lesotho, we will have multiple editions at different tourism attractions around the country. We have learnt that Basotho are not keen on knowing the beauty of our country so, the idea is to promote domestic tourism as all editions will be held in areas that will allow us to have picnics.”
He said since its inception which was held at two locations (Molimo Nthuse and Khotsong Lodge) last year, Apica has brought top class events by hosting great artistes such as Mango Groove, Christos, Rocco from France and Lesotho’s very own Apollo Ntabanyane.
He said revelers can get a day pass, weekend pass or a camping ticket where one can bring their own tent or rent one for their stay.
He said attendants can purchase their tickets through EcoCash and can redeem them at Econet Shops at Pioneer, LNDC and Roma starting.
“Tickets have also been selling from last Friday through Computicket at Shoprite stores throughout the country as well as the Basutoland Ink Kiosk at Pioneer Mall,” Montoeli said.
