10 September 2026, Lusaka, Zambia: The Stanbic Music Festival (SMF) 2026 has levelled up yet
again, with organisers officially unveiling the sponsors and partners supporting this year’s
event.
The announcement comes ahead of the festival’s return on Saturday, 3 October 2026, when
global music superstar Jason Derulo headlines the event in Lusaka as part of his The Last Dance
World Tour. Zambia is currently the only African destination included on the tour schedule,
placing the country alongside major international entertainment markets and creating a
significant moment for Zambia’s music and events industry.
The Last Dance World Tour started in the United States of America and then moved to Major
UK and European destinations in January and February 2026 in the UK. The tour has recently
moved to Russia and China and is scheduled to move to Australia and New Zealand before the
tour moves to Africa, arriving in Lusaka, Zambia on 3rd October, bringing one of the world’s
most recognisable performers to Zambian audiences and generating international attention for
the country. With billions of music streams and a social media audience exceeding 200 million
followers, Jason Derulo’s visit presents a valuable opportunity to showcase Zambia to a global
audience.
Speaking at the sponsors’ media briefing, Stanbic Music Festival Chairperson Ngoza Nyirenda
said the festival’s continued growth reflects the strength of the partnerships behind it and the
growing confidence in Zambia’s creative industry.
“The Stanbic Music Festival continues to grow because of the collective commitment of our
partners, artists, media and audiences. Every year, the festival creates opportunities for local
talent, supports businesses and brings people together through shared experiences that
celebrate the very best of Zambia.”
Showcasing Zambia to the world
The festival’s inclusion on a major international tour also aligns with Zambia’s broader tourism
ambitions. Working alongside the Zambia Tourism Agency and the Ministry of Tourism,
organisers see the festival as an opportunity to support the country’s ‘Zambia Moves You’
campaign by showcasing Zambia’s people, culture, hospitality and tourism offering to audiences
around the world.
Local talent remains centre stage
While Jason Derulo headlines the festival, organisers emphasised that local artists remain at the
heart of the Stanbic Music Festival.
This year’s line-up includes:
Yo Maps
Mampi Queen Diva
Danny Kaya
Mwila and the Band
DJ V Jeezy
DJ Sloo Beats
DJ Clap
Lady Kay
DJ Sly & DJ Marlon
DJ Amma
The festival will also welcome acclaimed Zimbabwean singer-songwriter Tamy Moyo as a
special guest artist further cementing the platform as an International Music Festival.
Together, the line-up reflects the diversity and strength of Southern African music while
continuing the festival’s tradition of creating opportunities for local and regional artists to
perform on world-class stages.
A bigger festival experience
This year’s festival has been designed to deliver an even broader entertainment experience for
attendees. For the first time, festival gates will open at 12:00 midday, allowing patrons to enjoy
a full day of entertainment, activations, food and beverage experiences and vendor offerings
before the main performances begin.
The event is also expected to create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and SMEs through
vendor participation and service provision, ensuring that the festival’s economic impact extends
beyond the stage.
In line with Stanbic Bank’s commitment to digital innovation, the festival will feature enhanced
cashless payment options, including StanPay, mobile money and point-of-sale facilities,
providing a more convenient and seamless experience for festivalgoers.
Festivalgoers can choose from VVIP, VIP and Standard ticket categories, offering a range of
experiences to suit different preferences and budgets.
Partnerships powering the festival
The festival’s continued growth is made possible through the support of sponsors and partners
who share its vision of creating world-class entertainment experiences while supporting the
development of Zambia’s creative industry.
This year’s sponsors include:
Coca-Cola Zambia
Yango Zambia
Zambia Breweries
Madison Insurance Zambia
InterContinental Lusaka
SES Zambia
Pre Secure Zambia
Digital Events Zambia
Alliance Media Zambia
The festival remains open to additional partnerships as it continues to grow and expand its
impact across Zambia’s creative and entertainment sectors.
Music with a purpose
Beyond entertainment, the festival continues to support environmental sustainability through
Stanbic Bank’s Secure the Zambezi initiative. Having already facilitated the planting of more
than 45,000 indigenous trees, the initiative will be expanded through the Tickets for Trees
campaign, with every ticket purchased contributing towards the planting of an additional
15,000 trees.
Tickets are on sale now!
Stanbic Music Festival 2026
Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Gates open: 12:00
Show starts: 18:00
Ticket prices
VVIP: ZMW 4,000
VIP: ZMW 2,500
Standard: ZMW 800
Tickets available through
Tessera Ticketing Online
Computicket outlets nationwide
With tickets now available and excitement building by the day, fans are encouraged to secure
their place early and be part of a landmark moment for Zambia’s entertainment industry. On 3
October, the Stanbic Music Festival will bring together a global superstar, the region’s biggest
talent and thousands of music lovers for an experience that promises to be unlike anything else
on this year’s calendar. Don’t miss it.
