Castel Malawi Managing Director, Hervé Milhade, said they have made 3, 500 bottles of the limited edition packaged in special bottles for the festival as a symbol the beauty that is Malawi.

“I cannot talk about how much we have put into the partnership but I would like to talk about the spirit of it.

“We are going to be there for the coming years because we want to share values, views and the joy to recover from the difficult year that we have had in the recent past,” said Milhade.

Castel Malawi Head of Marketing Twikale Chirwa explained that of the 3 500 bottles 2, 500 will be given to those who buy tickets.

“The other 1, 000 will be sold around the country. We are making history as we are co-branding and promoting home grown products. A first of its kind here in Malawi.

“Our partnership started way back from since the inception of the Sand Music Festival and as the director said our partnership from today will be for a very long time,” added Chirwa.

While appreciating the gesture Sand Music Festival Chief Executive Officer Lucius Banda said this year’s event will bring a break to Malawians over the losses they suffered due to the pandemic.

“It’s been a sad year we have lost a great many people. This is the first time people are going to be by the beach and enjoy themselves. There hasn’t been much outdoor activity and I am sure there will be a lot of excitement.

We will take time to honor our colleagues in the arts industry. We have decided to honour Wambali Mkandawire and stage 1 will be named after him so as to remember him so that we also celebrate life,” said Banda.

He added that Sand festival is for local artists and he only leads them because he is a seasoned artist.

“You know the Festival is not just about entertainment but also the festival has created employment opportunities for indigenous Malawians. We are talking of the hotels and lodges that provide accommodation, car washes housekeeping issues and those selling food,” explained Banda.

The Sand Music Festival will be held from the 1st to the 3rd of October at Sunbird Nkopola in Mangochi with South African artist Makhadzi set to be one of the festival’s highlights.