BY NELIWE NGUBANE(INTERN)
MALKERNS — From its debut in 2022 to its upcoming fifth edition in 2026, the Makoti Festival has steadily grown into one of Eswatini’s most anticipated cultural and entertainment gatherings, celebrated for blending music, fashion, and identity on one vibrant stage.
Launched on April 23, 2022, at the Malkerns Country Club, the inaugural Makoti Festival set a strong foundation by bringing together a diverse lineup of celebrated artists. The first edition was headlined by the late South African singer-songwriter Zahara (Bulelwa Mkutukana), alongside SA gospel sensation Jumbo, Maskandi artist Mzukulu, country music star Cleopatra Methula, and Khole. The debut instantly positioned the festival as a cross-genre platform celebrating both regional and cultural diversity.
The second edition continued to build momentum, attracting even bigger names. It was headlined by South African rapper and singer Sjava (Jabulani Hadebe), supported by gospel icons Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Maskandi heavyweight Shwi, and Floewe. The event further strengthened its reputation as a space where gospel, Maskandi, and contemporary sounds coexist.
By its third edition, the Makoti Festival had expanded its reach and ambition. The stage welcomed Grammy Award winner Nomcebo Zikode, gospel powerhouse Ntokozo Mbambo, Maskandi star Mthandeni, and Eswatini’s own internationally recognised artist Bholoja Ngubane. The 2024 edition marked a defining moment, elevating the festival into a regional cultural highlight.
The fourth edition cemented its status as a major SADC entertainment platform. It featured South African gospel legend Dr Rebecca Malope, Mozambique’s Afro-beat queen Lizha James, Maskandi star UGatsheni (Khuzani Ndlovu), Phumla Music, local veteran Mshikishi, Shongwe and Khuphuka, Siyinqaba, and Makhoyane’s Gogo Mpila. The event reflected the festival’s growing influence across Southern Africa.
Now preparing for its fifth edition on May 2, 2026, the Makoti Festival returns to its traditional home at the Malkerns Country Club. Over the years, the festival has consistently hosted media activations across the SADC region, including Maputo in Mozambique and Mbombela in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province, strengthening its regional presence.
This year’s lineup promises another energetic showcase featuring South African DJ Zinhle, Nothando Hlophe, Velemiseni, Sarnilo, Culolami, DJ Sky White, DJ Picat the Italian, Young Zesh, DJ Cup, Stella Jacobs, and many more.
Tickets are available via Howler, Computicket, Mojaticket, and the official website www.makotifestival.com. General admission is priced at E300, while VIP tickets cost E500.
More than just a music event, the Makoti Festival continues to position itself as a cultural celebration of womanhood, identity, and Eswatini heritage. It embraces both married and unmarried women, as well as young girls aspiring to express themselves through fashion, music, and culture, making it a uniquely inclusive experience on the national entertainment calendar.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 edition, the festival stands as a testament to how a local initiative can grow into a regional cultural movement.
#MakotiFestival #EswatiniEvents #Malkerns #MusicFestival #SADCArts #Zahara #Sjava #NomceboZikode #DrRebeccaMalope #DJZinhle #Maskandi #GospelMusic #AfricanCulture #LiveMusic #Festival2026
