BY NOSIPHO MABUZA
MBABANE –The Urban Pantsula turns 45!
The celebrated DJ and event curator, born Tubuko “Tibza” Nxumalo, will mark his 45th birthday with a one-of-a-kind celebration at the newly revamped 23:28 Lounge, located at the Mbabane Business Park, next week Friday,( August 29, 2025). This was confirmed by venue owner and CEO, Thembinkosi Mthethwa.
Presented by 23:28 Lounge, the birthday bash kicks off at 6 p.m. with a soulful Old Skul RnB set before the main festivities begin. The line-up features some of the kingdom’s finest talents including “Cybos, Jazzinsoul, Crooks, and Wicked, all set to bring high-energy grooves to the night.
“As a creative, style and fashion have always been central to my craft. I’ve always been driven by cutting-edge urban culture with a Pantsula twist, so the theme will embody what I stand for, being authentic and comfortable in your own skin,” Tibza explained. His actual birthday was on 12 August.
DJ Tibza is no stranger to the spotlight. Earlier this year, he performed at the MTN Bushfire Festival (May 2025), further cementing his status as one of Eswatini’s most versatile DJs.
He is also the co-founder of Urban Elements, alongside his brother DJ Lungstar (Lunga Nxumalo). Since 2006, the duo has curated some of Eswatini’s most iconic events, beginning at the legendary Mhlambanyatsi Club and now continuing with a monthly residency at Happy Valley Hotel’s Soul Oasis in Ezulwini.
Fans will also recall the Summer Showdown 2024 in Sidvokodvo, which attracted more than 350 patrons for an out-of-town music experience. Over the years, Summer Showdown has featured celebrated acts such as The Bishops, DJ MBO, Crooks and international names like Kid Fonque, Trev The Japanese, and John De Baptist.
With his reputation as The Urban Pantsula, Tibza’s 45th birthday promises to be more than just a party, it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community.
The event is part of a growing entertainment calendar at 23:28 Lounge. Just two months ago, the venue hosted the Italian Elegant Xperience Activation on June 20, 2025 headlined by Vinny Da Vinci and Picat Da Italian. Known for its high-end nightlife experiences, the lounge has also welcomed heavyweights such as Fatso 98, Earful Soul, and Chymamusique, cementing its reputation as one of Eswatini’s premier music destinations.
(Courtesy Pics)
