13/12/2025
THE BRIDGE REMAINS OPEN: Vulture Thrust Arts and Entertainment RISES AGAIN!!
Last month, the metal community felt a sudden jolt when Vulture Thrust Arts and Entertainment announced the suspension of all events due to financial challenges. It was a moment of uncertainty, reflection and hard truth. But metal has never been about surrender and neither is Vulture Thrust. After a month of deep reflection, strategic consultation and intensive engagement, that announcement has now been formally withdrawn. Vulture Thrust Arts and Entertainment is officially BACK.
This decision did not come lightly. It followed extensive discussions with all relevant stakeholders, the Local Events Committee and trusted international partners, Indian River Music Company (USA) and Total Silence (Europe). Most importantly, it was reinforced by powerful, motivating counsel from longtime ally Alec in , South Africa. From all these voices, one conclusion rose above the noise: pausing metal events is not an option. Vulture Thrust Arts and Entertainment is far more than an events brand. It is a living bridge between Africa and the world, a gateway of rock ’n’ roll and heavy metal and a vital reception point linking the Botswana metal scene to the global underground. To shut that bridge would be to abandon a mission built and carried over years of sacrifice, resilience and belief. That will not happen. A SMARTER, STRONGER PATH FORWARD. The future of Vulture Thrust is rooted in evolution. Moving forward, the organization will operate with a leaner, smarter and more sustainable model. This includes a restructured, cost-effective events budget, reduced operational expenses through stronger local and international promoter partnerships and closer collaboration with venue owners and sound providers toward a unified mission. Events will feature fewer bands, strictly aligned with available budgets and will prioritize indoor venues, clubs, bars and beer gardens, to minimize costs related to sound, security and infrastructure. Performance slots will be limited, demanding full professionalism, commitment and absolute excellence from every band that steps on stage. The Local Events Committee, partner promoters and collaborators will work in close unity to ensure that each event delivers real value to artists, partners and the metal community as a whole. THE BIG PICTURE: MAJOR EVENTS STRATEGY - Vulture Thrust’s major annual festivals will now operate under two strategic formats:- tour-based editions and fixed-location editions. Open-air events will only be staged when sponsorship is secured, ensuring financial stability and uncompromising production quality. The goal is simple, stronger events, tighter ex*****on and sustainability without sacrificing the spirit of metal.
WINTER METAL MANIA FEST 2026:- THE LEGACY CONTINUES.
And now, the announcement the underground has been waiting for, preparations are officially underway for the 17th Anniversary Winter Metal Mania Fest 2026. This historic edition will take the form of a tour, running from 28 May to 31 May 2026, tearing through Gaborone, Letlhakane, Ghanzi (Main Show) and Maun (Final). This will not be just another festival. Winter Metal Mania Fest 2026 promises to be stronger, tighter and deadlier than anything before it, a true redefinition of the legacy. To the fans, bands, partners and believers, thank you for your unwavering support, faith and loyalty. Stay connected and follow all updates via Winter Metal Mania Fest.
Yours in Metal,
Vulture Thrust Arts and Entertainment
The bridge remains open. The metal never stops. LET’S ROCK.
