BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– Enter The Bishop!
When Bandzile Mkhonta, better known as The Bishop, takes control of the decks at the iconic 23:28 Lounge this Friday, it won’t simply be another performance—it will be a homecoming packed with unreleased music, crowd-favourite anthems and a promise to give Eswatini fans a night they’ll never forget.
The Eswatini-born DJ and producer headlines the latest edition of Rhythm & Groove on Friday, 28 August, as New Life Entertainment continues its winning formula of pairing regional stars with the Kingdom’s finest house music selectors.
Joining The Bishop is a heavyweight supporting lineup featuring Slotta, Mthizo, DJ Cup, Tibza and Sibu Manzini, as Rhythm & Groove continues to cement its place as one of Eswatini’s premier deep house experiences.
Music kicks off at 6PM until late, with E50 entry after 8PM and tickets available at the door only. Those looking for a premium experience can secure table bookings by calling +268 7927 0015.
For Mkhonta, Friday’s performance carries extra weight because he’ll be doing what he loves most—in front of his own people.
“What excites me most is the energy and appreciation that Eswatini fans bring to the music,” he said.
“People come ready to connect, celebrate and enjoy the experience, and as a DJ, that’s exactly what you hope for. I’m looking forward to sharing a special musical journey with them on Friday.”
A NIGHT BUILT ON LEGACY
As The Bishop prepares to headline, Rhythm & Groove continues to cement its place as one of Eswatini’s premier deep house experiences.
Hosted at the now-iconic 23:28 Lounge, the series has become known for delivering carefully curated nights where local stars share the stage with some of Southern Africa’s respected house music names.
One of the first artists to help shape that reputation was ZuluMafia, whose January 2025 performance announced Rhythm & Groove as more than just another nightlife event. Sharing the stage with local favourites including DJ Cup, Fantacy, Slotta, KingHeart, Imk@RekorderDeejai and DJ Wicked, his appearance set the blueprint for the series.
The momentum continued when celebrated producer Chymamusique brought his soulful productions to Mbabane, drawing one of the event’s biggest crowds and elevating its reputation beyond Eswatini’s borders.
Most recently, South African producer Dustinho—born Tshepang Ntsala—lit up 23:28 Lounge in July 2026. Having started DJing at just 14 before earning recognition from house music pioneer Vinny Da Vinci, Dustinho arrived with a catalogue that includes For The Time Being EP, Once Every Blue Moon and Keep It Healthy, further strengthening the event’s growing reputation.
Now, The Bishop proudly adds his name to that list.
“It’s an honour,” he said.
“Whenever you’re invited to be part of a platform that has consistently delivered memorable experiences, you don’t take that opportunity lightly. I’m grateful for the invitation and excited to contribute to that movement.”
WHERE THE REAL MAGIC HAPPENS
While The Bishop has performed on major stages across Southern Africa, he believes intimate venues like 23:28 Lounge create something festivals simply cannot.
“Festivals are incredible because of their scale and atmosphere, but intimate venues are where the real magic happens,” he explained.
“You’re much closer to the crowd, you can read their reactions in real time, and every track feels more personal. It creates a deeper connection between the DJ and the audience.”
That connection is exactly what he intends to build on Friday night.
Fans can expect more than familiar favourites, with The Bishop confirming he’ll be debuting unreleased material from his upcoming project.
“I’ll be playing a few unreleased gems from my upcoming project,” he revealed.
“Fans can expect a deeper musical journey filled with uplifting sounds, emotional moments and dancefloor-moving energy from start to finish.”
THE SOUND OF THE BISHOP
Ask The Bishop to describe his sound, and he won’t point to a single genre.
Instead, he describes it as a blend of deep house, soulful house and melodic grooves, carefully stitched together into a story that unfolds one track at a time.
“I love music that tells a story, so every set is carefully crafted to take listeners on a journey from the very first track to the last.”
His inspiration comes from everyday life, the people he meets and artists who remain authentic while pushing creative boundaries.
“My goal is always to create moments that people remember long after the night has ended.”
THE MOMENT EVERYONE IS WAITING FOR
One song that has become synonymous with The Bishop’s performances is Ubongo Maffin, his collaboration with Virtuosouls featuring Cnatra, which continues to dominate dance floors across Southern Africa.
“There’s always a special moment when the crowd starts singing along to ‘Where Are You Now?’ and moving together,” he said.
“That energy is something I never get tired of experiencing.”
For fans wondering whether the anthem will make Friday’s playlist, he offered a reassuring smile.
“Ubongo Maffin will definitely make an appearance. Beyond that, I have a few surprises lined up, so people should come ready for something special.”
FLYING ESWATINI’S FLAG
As one of the Kingdom’s respected house music ambassadors, The Bishop believes Eswatini’s scene is entering an exciting chapter.
He credits venues like 23:28 Lounge and Oryx Restaurant for giving house music a platform to grow while helping local artists develop alongside established names.
“South Africa may have a larger industry and broader global reach, but Eswatini has a unique identity and incredibly passionate supporters of the culture,” he said.
“That passion is the foundation of every great music scene.”
He also believes the next generation is already making its mark.
Artists including !Sooks, DJ Cup, Slotta, Virtuosouls, Cnatra, Sibu Manzini, Privacii and Expo continue to impress him with their originality and consistency.
“The future is definitely bright,” he added.
A POWERHOUSE SUPPORTING LINEUP
Friday’s supporting cast is a celebration of Eswatini’s thriving house music movement.
Slotta returns with the smooth mixing style that has made him one of the Kingdom’s most consistent selectors, while Mthizo brings soulful underground influences that continue to win over local audiences.
DJ Cup, founder of New Life Entertainment, remains one of the driving forces behind Rhythm & Groove’s success by creating platforms where local talent performs alongside regional stars.
Tibza adds another layer of soulful and Afro-inspired house, while Sibu Manzini completes the lineup with carefully curated selections that have earned him a reputation for setting the perfect mood on the dance floor.
MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER PARTY
Away from the spotlight, Mkhonta admits he’s naturally shy—a surprising revelation for someone who commands dance floors with such confidence.
Had music not become his calling, he says he would probably have built a career in IT consulting, driven by his fascination with technology and innovation.
But this Friday belongs to the music.
“Friday is going to be more than just another party,” he said.
“It’s going to be an experience. Expect good music, incredible energy and an opportunity to create unforgettable memories with fellow house music lovers. If you appreciate quality house music, this is where you need to be.”
With new collaborations and fresh music waiting in the wings, The Bishop insists his journey is far from over.
“The best is still to come,”.
(Courtesy Pic)
