AJABU (adj) – Swahili word meaning amazing, miraculous, marvellous, fantastic, wondrous or incredible
Example: “Tamasha la ajabu la cocktail!” meaning "Amazing cocktail festival!"
CONNECT | COLLABORATE | CREATE
Greetings and salutations, all!
Our vision is to act as a platform for the African hospitality industry to connect across the continent and beyond, to inspire innovation, collaboration, and creativity, as well as to celebrate Africa and its incredible diversity of people, ingredients and drinks.
AJABU Cocktail and Spirits Festival is the perfect event for people to come together around unique cocktail experiences.
Together, let’s raise our glasses to a journey of discovery and appreciation, where every sip embodies the spirit of Africa’s rich cultural tapestry. Looking forward to welcoming you at the festival, where the essence of AJABU comes to life in every pour.
Wishing you friendship, love and pleasure,
Colin Asare-Appiah & Mark Talbot Holmes
AJABU FOUNDERS
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Growth festival by festival
We have grown 100% at each of our 3 festivals and expect to grow another 100% by November 2025
Scholarships Awarded
In the last 12 months we have given out 49 scholarships from Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Professional Bar Training and Edinburgh Whisky Academy through the Ajabu Scholarship Board, of which 70% have gone to women
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Growth Festivan by festival
Please see the Scholarship Programs to apply, or apply below
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African Bars Nominated at Tales of the Cocktails 2025
We have grown 100% at each of our 3 festivals and expect to grow another 100% by November 2025
African Hospitality communities created
In the last 12 months we have given out 49 scholarships from Wine & Spirit Education Trust, Professional Bar Training and Edinburgh Whisky Academy through the Ajabu Scholarship Board, of which 70% have gone to women
Monthly Workshops, pop ups, masterclasses, and cocktail safaris
We are running workshops, pop ups, masterclasses, and Cocktail Safaris every month in Johannesburg and Cape Town to grow the community in the trade and amongst consumers
UPCOMING