19 Oct 2026

The inaugural Angola Food Festival, held at The Place Endaweni in Phakalane on Saturday was celebrated in joy, laughter and rhythm. 

Angolan cuisine, funje (a stiff porridge made from cassava or cornmeal), Chicken Muamba (palm oil chicken stew), fresh seafood like Cacusso (tilapia) among others served as an inseparable identity package, intertwining sensory tradition, social resilience, and national pride and in extension African unity. 

“This is how we must cement African unity. This event is proof that in addition to the increasingly stronger political ties between Botswana and Angola, our people are getting closer to each other,” said Ambassador of Angola to Botswana, Sandro de Oliveira in his address. 

De Oliveira further said the bonds that unite the two countries were stronger than any geographical border.   In addition to the Angolan cuisine, the day was dominantly characterised by the rhythm and dance of Angola with semba, kizomba and kuduro.  

The kuduro dance, a fast-paced high energy dance took centre stage as other guests resonated with the beat and let their hair down, dancing alongside the youth and vibrant Angolans.   Demonstrating true African unity, the DJ was not short of other African tunes, much to the appreciation of some of the guests. The DJ’ set comprised Botswana’s A-Lister Charma Gal with Itsatsaula among others, South Africa’s oldies hits such as Mafikizolo’s Ndihamba Nawe, Nigeria’s afro beats and not forgetting the Amapiano genre for the Gen Zs.

 Patrons danced with joy and even those with left feet were not left behind. 

The event would not have been complete without a dance battle.  All age groups battled with songs appropriate for their generation, and winners were rewarded with cash. Also, besides dancing and having fun on the dance floor, kids were also catered for with fun activities to complete their day at the food festival.  ENDS