BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE — Here are five quick facts about Makoti Festival as the official countdown to the Makoti Festival fourth edition begins today!
The first edition of the Makoti Festival was held in April 2022.
Do you have your outfit ready for the fourth edition of the Makoti Festival, which will be held in 29 days?
The fourth edition of the Makoti Festival is scheduled for April 26, 2025, at the Malkerns Country Club. Presented by New Life Entertainment in partnership with the Illa Penboy Foundation, this festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Eswatini culture.
Here are five quick facts about the next biggest festival in Eswatini:
- HEADLINED BY RENOWNED ARTISTS: The festival has successfully hosted three editions, each headlined by notable artists.
The FIRST EDITION featured the late South African singer-songwriter and guitarist Zahara (Bulelwa Mkutukana).
The SECOND EDITION was headlined by South African singer and rapper Sjava (Jabulani Hadebe).
THIRD EDITION showcased Grammy Award winner for Best Global Music, South African singer and songwriter Nomcebo Zikode.
- CONSISTENT VENUE: The festival has been held at the same venue for all three previous editions, which is the Malkerns Country Club.
- APRIL TRADITION: The festival has always been hosted in April. The first edition took place on April 23, the second on April 27, and last year’s edition was also on April 27. This year’s edition will be held on April 26.
- REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS: The festival has partnered with three SADC countries, featuring artists from South Africa, Lesotho, and Mozambique.
- MEDIA ACTIVATIONS: The festival has three media activations in Mozambique (Maputo) and South Africa, (Mpumalanga Province Mbombela). Tomorrow the Makoti Festival will have the last leg of its media activation in Lesotho.
This year’s festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Eswatini culture, featuring a line-up of renowned artists, including South African gospel legend Dr. Rebecca Malope, Mozambique’s queen of Afro-beat Lizha James DJ Supamanmusic, South African Maskandi powerhouse Khuzani “uGatsheni” Ndlovu, Phumla Music. Other performers include Ntate Stunna, Gogo Mpila, Kinga Kanga, Young Zesh, Siyinqaba, Mshikishi and the legendary gospel ensemble Shongwe Ne Khuphuka.
Additionally, 11 local DJs will perform, bringing diverse sounds to the festival. The line-up includes:
– Young Love
– DJ MBO
– Master P
– The Bishop
– Culolam
– Sbu The Drum DJ
– Nelson X
– Lady Zee
– UrcousinPhayo
– DJ Tseko
– DJ Mekonko
Tickets are available through platforms like Howler, Computicket, Mojaticket, and the official website, www.makotifestival.com. The ticket prices are as follows: General Admission is E300, while VIP Tickets are E500. Tickets can also be purchased via MoMo through MTN Eswatini, with a step-by-step guide provided for convenience.
The Makoti Festival is designed to be a family-oriented event that promotes Eswatini culture. It celebrates modern women, including both married and unmarried individuals, as well as young girls aspiring to embrace their identity as makotis. The festival will feature various activities, including fashion and food stalls, along with live performances that showcase trendy fashion for women of all ages.
