Organizing outdoor festivals in Botswana: A cost analysis

According to the owner of Exzozo Entertainment Agency and the organizer of the popular music festival, Pretty Girls Like Good Music, Godwin Kennedy Sebina a.k.a Xotic Exzozo, putting on a successful outdoor event can be a challenging task.

In a recent Facebook post, Xotic highlighted some of the major expenses associated with organizing a festival in Botswana, where proper outdoor venues are limited.

One of the biggest expenses, according to Xotic, is the cost of renting a venue. In his post, he mentioned that the cost can range from 150,000 Pula to 220,000 Pula for a stadium or open field.

Sound, stage, and lighting are also significant expenses, with costs ranging from 150,000 Pula to 300,000 Pula. Other expenses include fireworks, barricades, and setting up a VIP area, as well as the cost of inviting international and local acts to perform.

Xotic also noted that security, marketing, and logistical support are crucial expenses that must be factored into the budget. He estimates that the overall cost of organizing an outdoor festival can reach one million Pula.

In his post, Xotic emphasized the importance of securing a main sponsor to cover at least 70% of the expenses and advised other organizers to be mindful of the high costs and plan accordingly. He also pointed out that without proper funding, it can be difficult to break even or make a profit.