Music, travel, food and culture came together in Dar es Salaam as The WeekenDar unveiled its vision for a more connected Africa. Some trips give you a stamp in your passport. Others give you stories, friendships and memories that stay with you long after you unpack your suitcase.
That is the idea behind The WeekenDar, a new Pan-African lifestyle experience that is bringing people together through travel, music, food, sport, culture and hospitality.
The WeekenDar concept
The concept recently landed in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where travellers from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania and several other African countries gathered from 12 to 14 September 2026 for a weekend designed around connection and discovery.
Rather than hosting separate events across a city, The WeekenDar created one shared journey. Guests moved from experience to experience together, discovering Dar es Salaam while meeting new people and immersing themselves in different cultures.
The initiative is driven by a collaboration between Ghanaian entrepreneurs Carl Fiifi Koranteng and Mawuli Gavor, South African entrepreneur Chloé Kim Grootboom, and Nigerian travel leader Adebayo “Bayo” Adedeji, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wakanow.
The Party and The Expierence
Together, they are working to encourage more Africans to explore the continent while building meaningful connections across borders.
The weekend opened with The 14th, a yacht experience co-founded by Nigerian entrepreneur Sadiq Ayuba. Set on the Indian Ocean, the activation transformed the water into a floating celebration of African culture. Guests moved between yachts, each offering a distinct atmosphere. One deck embraced relaxed coastal energy, while another pulsed with music, fashion, food and dancing. The experience blended luxury, creativity and community in a way that felt uniquely African.
The festivities continued at Rhythm & Brunch, which brought its signature mix of R&B, nostalgia and social connection to Barra Beach. Friends and strangers gathered over brunch and drinks before the afternoon evolved into a giant sing-along. Classic R&B hits mixed with contemporary favourites, creating the kind of soundtrack that instantly turns a crowd into a community.
Originally launched in Accra, Rhythm & Brunch has grown into one of the continent’s most recognisable lifestyle experiences and has welcomed international artists including Busta Rhymes, Sisqó, Beenie Man and Sol and The Gang.
Padel and Beyond
For those seeking a more active experience, Beyond Padel Tanzania added a sporting element to the programme.
The activation combined padel clinics, music and networking opportunities, creating an environment where guests could compete, socialise and connect. A highlight was the popular Battle of the DJs, where energetic sets transformed the courts into a social hub as much as a sporting venue.
What stood out most throughout the weekend was the sense of togetherness. People did not simply attend the same events. They explored the city together, shared experiences and built relationships with individuals from different corners of the continent.
The WeekenDar forms part of a broader mission to strengthen connections across Africa through travel and cultural exchange. Future editions aim to welcome travellers from more African countries while also engaging members of the African diaspora living abroad.
Each destination will incorporate local businesses, artists, venues and hospitality partners, ensuring visitors experience a country through the communities shaping its culture every day.
Following the success of the Tanzania edition, organisers have confirmed plans to return to Dar es Salaam during the December and January holiday season, with dates still to be announced.
As The WeekenDar continues to expand, its goal remains simple: create opportunities for Africans to discover one another, celebrate shared experiences and prove that some of the continent’s most exciting adventures begin with a plane ticket and an open mind.
