Zambezi Fest brings a taste of home to South Africans living in the UK

For South Africans dwelling in the United Kingdom, cherished memories often resided in simple pleasures - the sizzle of meat on a fire, a steaming bowl of pap and stew, or a bottle of green Cream Soda. These familiar sights, flavors, and sounds were front and center when Zambezi Fest returned to Northampton from 27 to 30 August.

The Southern African cultural festival united food vendors, musicians, storytellers, and families at Overstone Event Field. Festival director Joe Waggott described it as a celebration of "Southern African music, food, culture, sport, families and friendship." Now in its second year, Zambezi Fest provided a "home away from home" for South Africans and the broader community across the UK.

Food took center stage, with vendors serving up beloved favorites like boerewors, biltong, braai meat, bunny chow, and pap. Even a bottle of Cream Soda evoked nostalgia for many South Africans, transporting them back to childhood birthday parties and family gatherings. Bheki Dlamini, who grew up in Soweto and had lived in the UK for seven years, said the Cream Soda reminded him of his own youth.

For families raising children in Britain, the festival offered younger generations the chance to experience the culture they inherited from their parents through food, music, and shared stories. Dlamini's own child, now nine, could finally taste the familiar flavors and feel the warmth of his cultural roots.

The festival marketplace displayed handmade crafts, clothing, and products inspired by Southern Africa. The entertainment program featured music, comedy, storytelling, and children's activities, led by South African presenter and entertainer MC Crazy Werrie. Performers included Helen Kendall, Castella, Third Wheel, Hashtags, Black Mamba Man, Alex Cavan, Josh Ansley, and Nathan Smith.

Storytelling took center stage with Heads and Tails, Andy Copps, and John Kirk, drawing from Southern African storytelling traditions. A story hunt, summer games, fire-lighting activities, face painting, and a family parade added to the festivities.

Sport provided another familiar connection to home, with a scheduled watch party for the Springboks' second Test against the All Blacks. The match, sponsored by Mukuru, was set to kick off at 5.10pm South African time on Saturday, 29 August. Mukuru country manager Victor Moyo noted that the Springboks could be a powerful link to home for South Africans living abroad.

Ultimately, Zambezi Fest offered more than headline acts; it provided everyday moments that bridged the distance from home, from savoring familiar food to sharing long-forgotten songs and cheering on fellow South Africans alongside the Springboks.