BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
EZULWINI – Sibane Sami Hotel was the ultimate party destination on Saturday as hundreds of music lovers gathered for the much-anticipated “Friends of Kelvin Momo” concert.
The festival delivered on every level—stellar performances, great food, vibrant energy, and a diverse musical lineup that rocked the crowd from mid-afternoon until the early hours of Sunday morning.
Headlining the show was South African Amapiano maestro Kelvin Momo, who gave fans a two-hour set filled with his signature atmospheric grooves and deep soulful selections. The audience, enchanted by every drop and rhythm, danced in unison as Momo delivered a flawless journey through his chart-topping catalogue.
Some of the crowd-favorite songs he performed included “Funa,” “Ivy League,” “Uthathe,” “Yelele,” and “Amukelani.” Each track was met with loud cheers and singalongs as fans vibed to the emotional chords, jazzy layers, and melodic storytelling that define Momo’s sound.
After his set, Momo was full of praise for the Eswatini crowd, saying:
“Eswatini, your energy was unmatched. Performing here felt like a homecoming. The love and support from the crowd were truly heartwarming, and I can’t wait to return.”
Joining him was fellow South African act Da Muziqal Chef, who also received an electrifying response, proving why he’s a fan favorite across the region.
But the night was more than just headliners. The concert featured a vibrant spectrum of artists from Eswatini and the region. The entertainment kicked off early with high-energy sets and crowd-hyping moments.
At 7:05 PM, DJ Selby took over the decks, spinning house music classics that sent the crowd into a nostalgic frenzy. He followed the powerful hip-hop duo Qibho and Lution, who delivered lyrical fire and undeniable stage chemistry.
The tempo shifted as DJ Sbu De Drum dropped a fusion of deep house and Amapiano, sending the venue into a full-blown groove session. His set included crowd-favorite tracks from Scotts Maphuma and other popular Amapiano hits, turning the stage into a pulsating dance floor. Teaming up with host Anthem, the two served rhythm, vibes, and unstoppable energy.
Acoustic Soul slowed down the tempo with a smooth and soulful house set, giving the crowd a chance to catch their breath while staying locked in the music.
Then came a blazing Afro house set by DJ Mix Mash, founder of TrueSoundz and co-organiser of the event. Taking the stage just as the venue reached peak capacity, Mix Mash turned up the temperature with fiery beats and his signature crowd-control flair.
He followed the stage appearance of hip-hop newcomers Amarii and Gryxxly, who brought fresh energy and youthful swagger. The momentum continued with Wordsmith Felix, who lit up the night with a fiery fusion of Amapiano and Afro beats, sending waves of energy across the dancefloor. Co-hosts Onica Mansoor and Anthem amplified the fun with slick dance moves, matching every beat with dazzling stage presence.
Speech Umlangeni, a veteran behind the decks, kept the mood vibrant with timeless house tracks that had early attendees grooving even before the sun set.
DJ 1D later flipped the script with a bold hip-hop set, surprising the crowd with tracks like Siyinqaba’s chart-topper Gwayimane, in a night where every genre had its moment.
Reflecting on the night’s success, DJ Mix Mash shared:
“We’re incredibly thankful to the local music lovers who came out in numbers to support this event. It’s moments like these that make all the hard work worthwhile.”
TrueSoundz, co-organiser of the event, echoed the sentiment:
“The energy and support from the Eswatini crowd were phenomenal. It’s inspiring to see such enthusiasm for Amapiano and local talent. We’re grateful to everyone who made this event a success.”
Powered by Dresoundz, Sir Phakeme Enterprise, and several partners, the event saw seamless ticketing via platforms like Smart Ticket and Computicket. From the jam-packed dancefloor to the joyful reunions and electric performances, Friends of Kelvin Momo was a musical experience that set a high bar for 2025.
If this event was anything to go by, the future of live music in Eswatini is not just alive—it’s thriving.
