Lifestyle
Echoes of the Wild: Where Music, Arts and Tourism Meet in Botswana’s Chobe Region
By Ona Ranyere
Against the breathtaking backdrop of one of Africa’s premier tourism destinations, Echoes of the Wild made history by hosting its inaugural Kasane Weekender from 18–19 July 2026. Bringing together music, arts, culture, tourism and entrepreneurship, the event introduced a fresh vision for Botswana’s creative economy—one where travel and cultural experiences go hand in hand. Founded on the belief that travel should be accessible to everyone, Echoes of the Wild encourages young people and low-income earners to discover Botswana and the wider African continent through music, creativity and shared experiences. By combining tourism with the arts, the initiative aims to make domestic travel more affordable, meaningful and inspiring.
Sponsored by Gloo (Pty) Ltd, Oneline (Pty) Ltd, Okavango Gear (Pty) Ltd and Chobe Santuary Tours, the weekend began with a Creative Business Workshop for artists and entrepreneurs from the Chobe District. Organised in partnership with The Art Lab, the Ministry of Sport and Arts (MOSA) and the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs (MYGA), the workshop equipped participants with practical skills in branding, marketing, business registration and building sustainable creative careers. Industry leaders Loretta Mekgwe and Ona Ranyere encouraged participants to diversify their offerings and identify opportunities within Botswana’s growing tourism economy. Students from across the district also attended the free workshop, reinforcing the organisers’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent.
Echoes of the Wild was never intended to be just another music festival. Festival- goers were invited to experience Kasane beyond the stage, with early morning game drives through Chobe National Park, sunset boat cruises along the Chobe River and visits to the iconic Kazungula Bridge. The carefully curated programme highlighted Botswana’s extraordinary natural beauty while showcasing the country’s vibrant creative culture. The main performances took place at the picturesque Zenga Phee Garden, where Afro House and Afro Tech artists including Romeo De Medley, Son of Simeon, Bengwas, King Desto, Qin Diaz, Fizzy the DJ, DJ Ms J, Stucha and Khonga Roots kept audiences entertained throughout the weekend. International flavour came courtesy of Ace
Jules from Eswatini, whose participation reflected the festival’s growing regional ambitions and commitment to SADC cultural exchange. Creativity extended well beyond the music. Visual artist Thabiso Ernest exhibited works throughout the venue, while The Art Lounge invited visitors of all ages to create art, interact with artists and unwind in a relaxed outdoor setting. The space quickly became one of the festival’s highlights and is set to become a permanent feature of future editions. Meanwhile, football fans gathered around big screens to enjoy FIFA World Cup action, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families, music lovers and sports enthusiasts alike.
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