ZAMBIAN BREWERIES CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING MOSI DAY OF THUNDER IN LIVINGSTONE
LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA – The ninth edition of the Mosi Day of Thunder (MDOT) festival concluded as a sold‑out success, drawing over 12,000 domestic and international attendees to Zambia’s tourist capital, Livingstone, and delivering a substantial economic and cultural boost to both the city and the national economy. The event has reinforced its status as a premier catalyst for Zambia’s tourism sector whilst providing an unparalleled platform for local artists to showcase their craft to a global audience.
The event drew record crowds, pushing total attendance to 12,280, making it the largest event ever hosted in Livingstone, reinforcing MDOT’s position as one of Zambia’s most significant destination events and a key driver of tourism growth. Visitors from across Zambia, as well as neighbouring countries including Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana came to experience all that the event and Livingstone had to offer under this year’s theme “Share our Thunder”. The theme celebrated connection, bringing together artists, music-lovers, and the nation to share the collective, high‑energy Thunder felt most powerfully in the home of the breathtaking Mosi‑oa‑Tunya.
Amplifying the spirit of Sharing Our Thunder, a Limited Edition 500ml Mosi Premium Lager can was launched at the event. With two bold designs and a QR code that leads to an electrifying playlist powered by the Mosi Day of Thunder 2026 artists; the can captures the sound, style, and energy of the event wherever you go.
Beyond the concert grounds, the festival generated widespread economic activity across Livingstone’s hospitality, retail, transport and informal trading sectors, underlining the powerful role of major events in stimulating local economies.
Ministry of Tourism South-West Regional Tourism Coordinator, Clement Mulungushi, said that the event exemplifies the power of strategic public-private partnerships and sustained consumer spending.
“Events such as Mosi Day of Thunder are significant not only at a local level, but also nationally. Increased visitor spending directly contributes to the city’s GDP, and through institutions such as the Zambia Revenue Authority, this ultimately translates into increased revenue for the government and contributes to national GDP,” Mr Mulungushi said.
The surge in attendance has translated directly into record-breaking pre-sales and full occupancy across Livingstone’s hospitality network. Zambian Breweries Country Director, Thais Cavinatto, highlighted the festival’s consistent evolution and its role in stimulating Zambia’s tourism sector.
“Now in its ‘ninth edition’, the festival has become a highlight of Livingstone’s events calendar, drawing thousands of music enthusiasts and showcasing the very best of Zambian and regional talent.
Ms Cavinatto further highlighted the economic impact of the MDOT on the local economy and that the festival’s SADC-wide appeal attracts cross-border visitors, contributing valuable foreign exchange and reinforcing Zambia’s reputation as a welcoming, dynamic destination.
“By staging Mosi Day of Thunder in Livingstone, we intentionally leverage the synergy between cultural programming and destination marketing. Attendees often extend their visits to experience the beautiful and breathtaking Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls, thereby amplifying tourism receipts for the region,” she added.
Livingstone Mayor, Her Worship Constance Nalishebo Muleabai, described the festival as the largest event in the city’s history, highlighting its importance in driving investment and local economic development.
“From marketeers to hotel owners, everyone benefits from an event of this magnitude. Mosi Day of Thunder has a tangible impact on our local economy,” she said.
“Livingstone remains open for investment, and we encourage continued partnerships with the private sector to ensure we sustain and grow events of this scale. We are trying to encourage corporate companies like this to partner with the locals in PPPs or just come as individuals and secure and procure land because land in Livingstone is in demand. We don’t want to lose this event in Livingstone due to no land.”
Beyond the immediate economic gains, the Mosi Day of Thunder provided a vital platform for local artists to perform alongside international act, Nigerian superstar Ruger, who headlined the 2026 festival, facilitating cultural exchange and showcasing Zambian talent to a global audience via social media and regional visitors.
Katima Mulilo Mayor John Ntemwa of Namibia underscored the regional significance of the gathering: “The event is a success; the line-up is amazing. This is the real African integration… The economy of Livingstone, and Zambia in particular, has been boosted. Look at this number. of people who are here, and they’ve got tickets. The vendors have benefitted the local shops. Livingston is packed this weekend because of this event. So, we are bringing money from across the borders, and the money will be well spent here.”
Zambian music legend Danny Kaya, who performed at the festival, highlighted the professional growth of the event and its role in branding Zambia: “You see, if you look at the idea in the social media space now, this event is being filmed the world over because of social media. So, when you have such an event and you have people from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa, it simply means our event is being seen across South Africa and also across the world. Very key and very important.”
Zambian Breweries continues to position Mosi Day of Thunder as a powerful catalyst for music, art, and connection. This year’s event reached new heights, delivering a record‑breaking, sold‑out spectacle that cemented its status as a flagship entertainment experience in the home of Mosi, Livingstone. Planning is already underway for the landmark tenth edition in 2027, with expectations of even greater scale and more Thunderous moments.
