BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE – Picture this: a chilled glass of gin and tonic in hand, tropical botanicals dancing in the glass, music floating through the air and guests feeling less like festival-goers and more like VIP passengers aboard a luxury cruise.
This is the experience organisers of the upcoming Gin & Tonic Festival hope to bring to Eswatini, with this year’s “Cruise Style” theme promising to turn the lifestyle event into a boutique ocean-inspired musical voyage.
The festival aims to create a platform for local craft spirits while combining mixology, food, entertainment and social experiences into one vibrant celebration. Local brands such as Imbali, Explorers and Shelela will be among the spirits highlighted, showcasing how Eswatini’s local botanicals can be transformed into world-class drinks.
Organiser Njobo Rosh Nkhosi said the event was created to give local craft spirits a platform while building an accessible but elevated lifestyle experience.
“The Gin & Tonic Festival creates a platform to highlight some of Eswatini’s craft spirits like Imbali, Explorers and Shelela, amongst others,” said Nkhosi.
According to Nkhosi, the festival’s cruise concept is designed to transport guests into a completely different environment, with attendees expected to enjoy gin tastings, signature gin bars, tropical botanical pairings and interactive garnish stations where they can personalise their drinks.
Beyond the cocktails, entertainment will remain at the heart of the experience. The line-up brings together established acts, emerging artists, vocalists and instrumentalists, creating a balance between star power and opportunities for fresh talent.
Nkhosi said local performers were selected for their talent, versatility and stage presence, adding that festivals can open doors to new management networks, media exposure and international opportunities.
The event will also create opportunities beyond the stage, with local sound engineers, stage managers, lighting technicians and content creators forming part of the wider entertainment ecosystem.
Starting at 11am and running until late, the festival will offer more than live performances. Mixologists will demonstrate their craft, while guests will learn about the history of the featured gins. A photo booth will also provide a picture-perfect moment, with lucky attendees set to win a special prize announced on the day.
Organisers also envision collaborations with local farmers for garnishes and Ngwenya Glass for locally produced gin glassware, further strengthening the festival’s local identity.
With its mix of flavour, fashion, music and holiday energy, the Gin & Tonic Festival is positioning itself as a fresh addition to Eswatini’s lifestyle calendar.
For Nkhosi, the ambition does not end with one edition.
“This event is something new, fresh and different,” he said. “The plan is to make it bigger and a whole lot better.”
If the organisers have their way, Eswatini may soon have its own annual cruise – no passport required, just a glass, good music and a taste for adventure.
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