BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE — Eswatini’s Gifted Kosie is taking her Swazi energy beyond the borders as she prepares to bring her sound, culture and stage presence to Xurra Fest in Angola.
The DJ and entertainer, real name Phindile Dlamini, sees the international festival as more than another booking on her calendar. For her, it is an opportunity to connect with new audiences while giving them a taste of what Eswatini has to offer.
“What attracted me to Xurra Fest is the fact that it is more than just a music event. It brings together different forms of entertainment and creates a space where people can experience culture, food, music and good energy all in one place,” she said.
The Angolan showcase adds another international chapter to Kosie’s growing career, following performances on major local stages including the Eswatini Farmers Market, Solanis and MTN Bushfire, as well as her appearance at the Afro Piano Groove Edition in Kigali, Rwanda.
Now, Angola becomes the next stop as she prepares to represent Eswatini through music and performance.
“I want to bring the energy, authenticity and uniqueness that comes with being a Swazi artist,” Kosie said.
Her goal is not simply to play music, but to create a connection with the crowd and leave festival-goers with an experience they can remember.
“I’m working on my energy and interaction with the audience because I want the crowd to feel involved,” she said.
And while she is keeping her performance surprises close to the chest, Kosie has warned fans that Xurra Fest will offer something different.
“Fans can definitely expect something different. I don’t want to give too much away, but there will be a few surprises. They’ll have to come to Xurra Fest and experience it for themselves,” she teased.
For Kosie, taking the stage in Angola is also about changing the way audiences outside Eswatini see the country’s creative talent.
“I would love audiences from outside Eswatini to leave knowing that there is incredible talent coming out of our country,” she said.
She believes international platforms expose artists to new audiences, artists and creative environments while challenging them to grow.
For the DJ, whose creative work also extends to music releases and choreography through the Body Movement Club, the Angola trip is part of a bigger vision to take her music further without losing the identity that shaped her.
With new music, collaborations and performances already in the pipeline, Kosie says fans should expect more after Xurra Fest.
“Xurra Fest is not the destination, it’s another step in the journey, and I’m really excited about what comes next,” she said.
As she heads to Angola, Kosie is carrying more than a DJ set to the Xurra Fest stage,she is carrying Swazi energy, culture and a message that Eswatini’s sound can travel.
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(Courtesy Pic)
