BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
EZULWINI –“Where Music, Innovation & Inclusion Collide”.
The beat dropped, and so did the Phase One artist line-up! The highly anticipated MoMo Xperience 2025 was officially launched today( 14 May 2025) at MTN Headquarters in Ezulwini, setting the stage for Eswatini’s most innovative music and arts festival of the year.
Returning for its second edition, the MoMo Xperience will be hosted at Malkerns Country Club on 28 June 2025, promising a bigger, bolder, and fully cashless experience that fuses music, technology, and culture into a day of unforgettable entertainment.
The launch event brought together key industry players, creatives, media houses, and special guests including; Stanley Dlamini, CEO of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture, MTN FinTech CEO Sam Shongwe, Melting C Events and Destiny Music representatives, members of the arts and culture sector and MoMo business partners.
Stanley Dlamini, CEO of the Arts Council, applauded MTN for believing in Eswatini’s entertainment industry and consistently supporting local festivals: “With MoMo, the convenience of purchasing tickets from the comfort of your home is a game changer. It’s efficient and reduces queues at festivals—something we’ve long needed in our events ecosystem.”
Melting C Events Culolam “Mbekezeli” Dlamini announced the Phase One line-up, showcasing a mix of international stars and local talent:
- Mthunzi – Afro-soul singer and producer from KwaZulu-Natal
- Nontokozo Mkhize – Gospel powerhouse and METRO FM 2024 Newcomer of the Year
- Zwile Bhembe
- Ayanda Ayacity Motsa
- Velemseni Ndzimandze
- Lwazi Nzuza Rekoder
- Khulekani Mamba Uncle Karly
“This year, we’re taking it to the next level,” said Dlamini. “#MoMoXperience2025 is all about merging music, culture, and digital convenience. It’s not just a festival—it’s a lifestyle moment.”
MTN MoMo Marketing Manager Afi Dlamini highlighted the festival’s deeper purpose:
“With over 500,000 active users, MoMo is more than a digital wallet—it’s a lifeline for small businesses, families, and entrepreneurs. Last year, we had over 3,000 attendees and 30 local vendors—it exceeded expectations.”
Key innovations for 2025 include:
Cashless wristbands for secure, contact-free payments
On-site MoMo top-up stations
MoMo experience support teams for digital assistance
“We want every attendee—child, parent, or vendor—to enjoy the event without the hassle of carrying cash or phones. This is the future of smart events, and Eswatini is leading the way.”
MTN FinTech CEO Sam Shongwe delivered a powerful keynote which emphasized the festival’s alignment with MoMo’s mission:
“The MoMo Xperience is not just a music festival—it’s a platform for digital empowerment. Our goal is to shape a future where innovation supports real inclusion—from creatives and traders to families and youth.”
It’s worth noting that MoMo has
500,000+ active subscribers
13,000+ agents nationwide
Thousands of SMEs supported
Reflecting on last year’s success, Shongwe noted:
“The first edition in 2024 proved what’s possible when technology, arts, and community unite. We saw firsthand how digital tools can drive growth and financial inclusion across all sectors.”He emphasized MoMo’s commitment to security and trust.“As digital services expand, so do risks. That’s why we invest heavily in fraud detection, user education, and safety. Every MoMo user should feel empowered and protected.”
The MoMo Xperience according to Shongwe is more than a concert, the MoMo Xperience champions the convergence of digital technology, local talent, and community development.
“It’s not just about the music. It’s about showcasing Eswatini’s creativity, empowering local vendors, and using tech to foster unity,” Shongwe added.
The 2024 headliners, Ami Faku and Morda, set a high bar—and this year, the festival promises to go even higher.
