BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MALKERNS – The clock struck 3pm and the mystery finally cracked open!
After hours of anticipation, speculation and fans waiting to discover who would fill the gap left by Jazzwrld and Thukuthela, Eswatini Farmers Market has unveiled South African amapiano powerhouse Royal Musiq as the latest addition to its 2026 line-up.
The reveal was announced by Farmers Market director Mbekezile “Culolam” Dlamini, bringing an end to the suspense that had been building since organisers confirmed that two previously announced acts would no longer be part of the festival.
Royal Musiq is now set to bring his amapiano sound, energetic performance and dance-heavy experience to Malkerns Country Club on October 10, 2026, promising fans a fresh dose of South African groove.
The artist is known as an amapiano producer, DJ and performer, with a catalogue that includes some of his recognised tracks such as “Wadibusa”, “ZENZELE”, “BAPHI”, “Ke Wave”, “TEZE” and “AmaRider”.
For fans who know these songs, the announcement means Farmers Market will not simply be replacing an act on paper – it is bringing in an artist whose music is designed for the dance floor.
The promotional announcement promises that Royal Musiq will arrive in Eswatini with his family of dancers, giving festivalgoers an opportunity to experience his music live rather than simply hearing his songs through a playlist.
The replacement comes after Farmers Market released a press statement explaining the unexpected change to its line-up.
According to the organisers, Jazzwrld and Thukuthela had been booked and paid for by Farmers Market in good time. However, the artists’ management later informed the festival that they had decided to honour an international gig instead.
Farmers Market said it tried to find a way to make the bookings work and explored different possibilities with the artists’ management.
Despite those efforts, the organisers said the situation could not be resolved.
Rather than leave fans without the two performances, Farmers Market decided to move forward with other artists who were ready and committed to performing at the festival.
The organisers also acknowledged the disappointment of fans who had specifically been looking forward to Jazzwrld and Thukuthela, while assuring festivalgoers that the fifth edition would continue with its plans for a major entertainment experience.
And now, Royal Musiq has officially entered the picture.
The build-up to the announcement was deliberately playful, with Farmers Market teasing that the youth had asked for a line-up that represented their groove and that organisers had listened.
The mystery artist reveal created an additional buzz around the festival, with the 3pm announcement becoming the moment fans were waiting for.
Now the mystery is over.
Royal Musiq is coming to Eswatini.
With his amapiano catalogue and live performance energy, his arrival adds another South African sound to a festival built around music, fashion, arts, food and lifestyle.
The event will also offer different ticket categories, with student tickets at E200, Delta Pay tickets at E260, general tickets at E300, kids’ tickets at E120, and VIP tickets at E850. Children under three years enter free.
Tickets are available through Carrot Tickets and at participating Pick n Pay stores in Eswatini.
As Farmers Market heads towards its fifth edition, the unexpected line-up change has now produced its latest plot twist.
Jazzwrld and Thukuthela may have exited because of an international commitment, but the stage has found a new name.
And on October 10, Royal Musiq will have the microphone, the decks, the dancers and the Farmers Market crowd waiting.
The mystery is officially over. The new groove has been revealed.
#EswatiniFarmersMarket #RoyalMusiq #FarmersMarket2026 #Malkerns #EswatiniEntertainment #Amapiano #EswatiniMusic #MeltingEvents #Wadibusa #ZENZELE #BAPHI #KeWave #TEZE #AmaRider #EntertainmentEswatini #EPN #PositiveNews
