Castle Lite Unlocks coming

• Runtown, Ice Prince among headlining acts

GORATAONE KGOSIMORE

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

Castle Lite Unlocks will make its Botswana debut on Independence day (September 30, 2026)  at the Royal Aria Stadium in Tlokweng, bringing some of Africa’s biggest music acts for a night of music, culture and lifestyle.

The event, brought to Botswana by Castle Lite and Let’s Afro Pacers, follows successful editions in South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania. The lineup will feature popular Nigerian artists Runtown and Ice Prince, South African DJ and producer Oscar Mbo, as well as Ciza, among others. The event will showcase a mix of Afro-fusion, Afrobeats, Amapiano and Afro-house.

Botswana will also be represented by local acts including BanT, Baxon and First Lady & Manzah, while Mdu Tha Party, Domino and Nay8SZN will take on hosting duties as MCs.

Briefing the media on Wednesday, Let’s Afro Pacers Experiential Events Executive Director Mpho Leonard said bringing Castle Lite on board as the title sponsor was a natural fit given the brand’s association with music and entertainment. “The brand’s connection to music, culture and cool experiences aligns perfectly with what we wanted with Let’s Afro Pacers, and together we’re able to unlock something much bigger for Botswana,” he said.

Leonard said while Castle Lite Unlocks has been successfully staged in other African countries, the Botswana edition would bring its own identity to the experience. “Castle Lite Unlocks has successfully been experienced across South Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania, but we are going to make this one ours. The Botswana one is going to be bigger,” he said, adding that about 70 percent of the tickets had already been sold, while promotional tickets were sold out, with limited tickets remaining.

Leonard said organisers were committed to delivering an experience that would give revelers value for money, with multiple bar areas planned to improve convenience.Gates will open at noon. With thousands of guests expected, organisers said strict security measures, controlled access and multiple checkpoints would be in place.

A representative from the event’s security team assured revelers that the venue would be fully secured, with security personnel positioned at various points to ensure the safety of guests throughout the event. Only empty coolers with ice will be permitted into the venue.