BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MALKERNS – A sea of revellers, cowboy-inspired outfits, pulsating beats and a festival atmosphere that brought people together defined the fifth edition of the Eswatini Farmers Market, as attendees turned Malkerns Country Club into a hive of entertainment on Saturday.
For Farmers Market director Mbekezile “Culolam” Dlamini, the sight of people arriving in numbers made the milestone edition especially meaningful.
“I’m happy, humbled and overjoyed,” Dlamini said, expressing his gratitude after seeing the turnout for the festival.
The words captured the feeling behind an event that continues to bring together music, fashion, arts, food and lifestyle, giving revellers a space to celebrate, connect and enjoy a full day of entertainment.
Held on October 10, 2026, the fifth edition carried the theme “LOOK LIKE A COWBOY”, and attendees embraced the invitation to dress the part. Cowboy hats, boots, denim and creative Western-inspired looks became part of the festival’s visual identity, turning the crowd itself into an attraction.
But beyond the outfits, it was the people who gave the celebration its energy. Friends gathered, music lovers moved between performances, and revellers made the most of an event designed to offer more than just a stage and a sound system.
The entertainment line-up brought together five headline acts from the regional music scene: Zee Nxumalo, Oscar Mbo, Jnr SA, Argento Dust and Royal Musiq.
Each name added to the anticipation surrounding the festival, while the presence of local performers ensured that Eswatini talent remained an important part of the celebration.
Zee Nxumalo’s appearance carried a special homecoming moment. Proudly waving the Eswatini flag, she spoke about her affection for the Kingdom, telling the audience, “I love Eswatini. I love being home.” Her performance included ‘Mama’, ‘Ngisakuthanda’, ‘Imali’ and ‘Ngiyasindelwa’, before she closed with ‘Rato Laka’.
Oscar Mbo brought his house sound to the festival, keeping the crowd entertained behind the decks. Following his performance, he reflected on his long-standing connection with Eswatini, saying that he had been visiting the country for the past six to seven years and that every show was special in its own way.
He also teased a possible collaboration with an Eswatini artist, revealing, “There’s something I’m doing with someone from here in Swaziland, and you guys will know soon.” The DJ further assured fans that he would return, describing Eswatini as one of his favourite countries.
Jnr SA added to the musical experience behind the decks, opening his set with ‘Ngiyozama’, while the broader programme featured performances from Argento Dust and Royal Musiq, adding to the festival’s mix of regional sounds.
While the headline acts drew attention, local artists helped shape the identity and atmosphere of the fifth edition.
Team Royal, Atmos Blaq, Gifted Kosie, Drum Rhythm, DJ T.A.P and Thubillion, Mandisa Mamba, Tempo, Sibu Manzini, DJ Cup, Zulu D, Teesto, Ayacity, Baba Bandora, DJ Giarm, Thaif O-Son, Deenox, Glad, Locco, Mafaka, Maradona, Notik, Obsession, Rekorder, Sgitha Smith, Bosso, Mncedisi The Percussionist, Genes of the Vibe, Nkay and Smally were among the local acts featured in the programme.
Gifted Kosie brought dance energy to the stage with her crew, while Baba Bandora entertained from behind the decks. Mandisa Mamba also took to the stage, adding her performance to the festival’s entertainment offering.
The range of performers reflected the festival’s role as a platform for different sounds and styles, allowing local artists to share the same event space with established regional names.
Farmers Market also offered football supporters a way to combine matchday excitement with their festival plans. The MTN 8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns was scheduled for live screening at the Texas 2nd Stage at 6pm, courtesy of Destiny Events.
The screening formed part of the wider experience, giving attendees an opportunity to enjoy football alongside music, food, fashion and socialising at one venue.
It was an added attraction for revellers who wanted to enjoy the festival without missing the football action.
Reaching its fifth edition, the Eswatini Farmers Market continues to bring together different elements of lifestyle and entertainment under one roof. The combination of headline performers, local talent, themed fashion and football viewing gave attendees several reasons to make the journey to Malkerns.
For Dlamini, however, the turnout remained a particularly powerful part of the occasion. His words — “I’m happy, humbled and overjoyed” — reflected appreciation for the people who came out to support the event.
As the music, fashion and festival atmosphere brought the fifth edition to life, the crowd became part of the story itself. Their presence demonstrated the importance of creating spaces where people can gather around shared interests and celebrate entertainment together.
The fifth edition was not only about the names on the line-up or the cowboy theme. It was also about the people who showed up, supported the performers and helped turn Farmers Market into a lively meeting point for Eswatini’s entertainment scene.
For its director, the message was one of gratitude. For the artists, it was another opportunity to connect with audiences. And for the revellers who came in numbers, it was a chance to be part of Farmers Market Weekend.
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