With just over two weeks before the Soul Up with Franco festival, the organisers say preparations are progressing well. The festival’s second edition is scheduled for April 1 at the Royal Aria Stadium in Tlokweng.

On Monday, the organisers released the festival lineup, headlined by Franco & Afro Musica, Vee Mampeezy, Culture Spears and Slizer among some of the big names in the local music scene.

Other artists in the line-up include Phempheretlhe, Gaolathe, Danny Bass, Crew, Mc Maswe, Moroka Moreri, Scanvenger, Oscar Chakabuya, Kgaraebe Ya Setso, Maghebula, Dikakapa, Swaggerlady, Khoza Mkhozeni, Mlesho, Zolasko, Rocking Stars and Figos.

In a brief interview with Arts & Culture, Frank ‘Franco’ Lesokwane said preparations are at an advanced stage, with tickets sales picking pace since the beginning of the March. Franco, as Lesokwane is known said they have sorted out almost all the event logistics.

“Preparations are going well. We have just released the line-up this week. Tickets sales have been slow but started to move quickly at the beginning of this month. As you know Batswana like to buy tickets at the last minute, so we expect them to move even faster in the last days before the festival,” Franco said.

Franco said the ongoing countrywide festival activations have also boosted ticket sales and merchandise. However, he called on the patrons to buy tickets on time to avoid last minute inconveniences.

Furthermore, the Ke lela le lona hit maker pleaded with the corporate world for sponsorships. He said currently the festival has no sponsorship.

The annual event is conceptualised by celebrated Kwasa Kwasa artist, ‘Franco’ and is meant to celebrate his musical journey, which spans over two decades.

After hosting a successful first edition, the stakes are high for the second one. The organisers have said they need over P1.5m to cover costs for this festival.

Tickets for the festival sell for P150 standard and P200 at the gate.