Grab ’n Go returns with global flavours and local energy
• Food and culture converge in Namibia’s pop-up festival
Michael KayundeWINDHOEK
When Grab ’n Go returns this Saturday, October 4, at El Campo Nursery and Recreational Park, the pop-up food festival will once again bring together flavors from across the globe, underscored by music, culture, and community.
Founded by Lazarus Hishekwa during the Covid-19 pandemic, the event has grown into one of Namibia’s most anticipated culinary gatherings. “The concept of Grab ’n Go is a Covid baby,” Hishekwa said. “It was inspired by a time when people couldn’t come together anymore. The one thing they were allowed to leave their houses for was food, and with that we found a way for people to enjoy what they love the most — which is fast food. Hence Grab ’n Go: pick up and leave.”
Since its inception, Grab ’n Go has taken on new forms each year, guided by a central theme. “We come up with different themes for each event,” Hishekwa explained. “This year’s theme is international airport, and we’re giving people the chance to experience their favorite foods in a unique setting.”
The 2025 edition promises a global feast. “Expect America to bring the burgers and hot dogs, Namibia to bring lekker braai meat, Mexico is coming with the tacos,” he said. “Then Cuba is beef stew and congri, Italy is cheffing up the pizza, South Africa is bringing the famous kotas, Nigeria is handling the jollof rice — there’s also Asia cooking up noodles.”
Alongside street food vendors, Grab ’n Go continues to deepen ties with local restaurants. “Djamila’s Kitchen and Talas Cookery, alongside other local and international food enthusiasts, have partnered up with us to make this a success,” Hishekwa noted.
But Grab ’n Go is not only about food. The festival’s entertainment lineup is just as central to its identity. “We have listened to the demand of the people by securing their favorite acts such as Yeezir, Tumi Mohamed, DJ Castro, Zonesh, YGK, Las Reinas and more,” Hishekwa said. “But we have also opened up the platform to newer cats in the industry such as Maclever and Boynuz.”
For Hishekwa, the 2025 edition is about growth and reflection. “We are excited for the people that have been to the previous Grab ’n Gos to see really how much we have alleviated, matured, and improved,” he said. “We are excited for our sponsors to see our creativity and ideas, and for the people that are joining us for the first time — we want to say it will definitely not be your last.”
When Grab ’n Go returns this Saturday, October 4, at El Campo Nursery and Recreational Park, the pop-up food festival will once again bring together flavors from across the globe, underscored by music, culture, and community.
Founded by Lazarus Hishekwa during the Covid-19 pandemic, the event has grown into one of Namibia’s most anticipated culinary gatherings. “The concept of Grab ’n Go is a Covid baby,” Hishekwa said. “It was inspired by a time when people couldn’t come together anymore. The one thing they were allowed to leave their houses for was food, and with that we found a way for people to enjoy what they love the most — which is fast food. Hence Grab ’n Go: pick up and leave.”
Since its inception, Grab ’n Go has taken on new forms each year, guided by a central theme. “We come up with different themes for each event,” Hishekwa explained. “This year’s theme is international airport, and we’re giving people the chance to experience their favorite foods in a unique setting.”
The 2025 edition promises a global feast. “Expect America to bring the burgers and hot dogs, Namibia to bring lekker braai meat, Mexico is coming with the tacos,” he said. “Then Cuba is beef stew and congri, Italy is cheffing up the pizza, South Africa is bringing the famous kotas, Nigeria is handling the jollof rice — there’s also Asia cooking up noodles.”
Alongside street food vendors, Grab ’n Go continues to deepen ties with local restaurants. “Djamila’s Kitchen and Talas Cookery, alongside other local and international food enthusiasts, have partnered up with us to make this a success,” Hishekwa noted.
But Grab ’n Go is not only about food. The festival’s entertainment lineup is just as central to its identity. “We have listened to the demand of the people by securing their favorite acts such as Yeezir, Tumi Mohamed, DJ Castro, Zonesh, YGK, Las Reinas and more,” Hishekwa said. “But we have also opened up the platform to newer cats in the industry such as Maclever and Boynuz.”
For Hishekwa, the 2025 edition is about growth and reflection. “We are excited for the people that have been to the previous Grab ’n Gos to see really how much we have alleviated, matured, and improved,” he said. “We are excited for our sponsors to see our creativity and ideas, and for the people that are joining us for the first time — we want to say it will definitely not be your last.”
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