By Seleoe Nonyane
The Lesotho Gin & Trout Festival has been afforded an opportunity to be part of the 18TH edition of the MTN Bushfire 2023 that will be held in Eswatini this weekend.
The MTN Bushfire is a globally infused and authentically African extravaganza. It is one of the continent’s largest multicultural gatherings, illuminating the transformational power of the arts through its call for positive social and environmental change.
The event is a diverse, inclusive and family-friendly music and arts festival set in a fantasy-scape of the imagination. It takes place in the beautiful farmland and mountains of the peaceful Malkerns Valley.
Every year, the organisers welcome fire starters from over 60 countries for an energising and uplifting weekend, with an electric programme featuring some of the finest musical artistic talents from across Africa and around the globe.
The founder of the Lesotho Gin & Trout Festival, Tšokolo Makeka, told this publication that they will be bringing the flavour the best way they know how.
The festival is a tourism event which has the capacity to help build the economy of the country. It is all about foodies, gin lovers, eco tourists, campers, runners, hikers and lovers of nature.
Makeka said it was a huge honour for Lesotho Gin & Trout to be part of MTN Bushfire 2023, one of the largest festivals in Africa.
“For us to be ambassadors of Lesotho and take our renowned Trout to a new African market is really exciting,” he said.
They will not, however, be featuring the Gin component at the Bushfire since the event is all about showcasing what Lesotho has to offer.
“Our Trout is the best in the world and we want people to know that they should come to our Mountain Kingdom and enjoy this delicacy.
“We are almost good to go and we have a strong team. When you represent the country, you must do so to the best of your capability. So, I have a team consisting of Chef Douglas, Chef Kayee and Chef Gabe.
“Our dishes are all Trout based, so we have Trout burger, Trout soup, grilled Trout and cold cured burger,” Makeka explained.
He said that they were selected after they raised their hand as they believed they could represent Lesotho.
The application process was rigorous and demanding, he recalled.
Now that they have qualified, they were looking forward to carrying the culinary flag at the World Food Village.
Makeka said the most exciting part about the Bushfire is people asking questions about the beauty of Lesotho and getting to come and experience the country during holidays.
“I am excited to be going there to represent Lesotho.”
He indicated that they were also preparing for Lesotho Gin & Trout Festival set for December 1-2, 2023.
Makeka said the festival is a true tourism lifestyle event that will showcase what the country offers.
“We are a beautiful people with style and panache. We look forward to showing the world what we are about,” he added.
