BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– Eswatini jazz and African music lovers are set for an intimate musical experience this Friday as Makotopong Sound Studios (MSS), in partnership with Lokuhle Media Group, presents “An Evening With: Akuse Khula” at the Eswatini Theatre Club.
Scheduled for August 14, 2026, from 18:00 to 22:00, the event is expected to bring together music lovers, creatives, industry professionals and supporters of the arts for an evening celebrating jazz, African musical expression and the artistic journey of Akuse Khula.
Unlike a conventional concert, the organisers say the experience has been designed to give audiences an opportunity to connect more closely with the artist and his music while celebrating the growth of Eswatini’s creative industry.
A GROWING MUSICAL JOURNEY
Akuse Khula is part of the artistic family of Makotopong Sound Studios, a creative platform focused on recording, music production, artist development and creating opportunities for African musicians.
His relationship with MSS forms part of the studio’s wider musical legacy, which includes creative associations with established musicians such as Bholoja, Mimi and McCoy Mrubata, among other artists and collaborators.
Khula’s growing catalogue includes his 2026 project “Phuphani,” which further demonstrates his creative relationship with the studio and its commitment to developing music that reflects African identity and contemporary expression.
For MSS, the relationship with artists goes beyond recording music, with the studio placing emphasis on artist development, building meaningful catalogues and creating platforms that can expose local music to wider audiences.
LOKUHLE MEDIA SUPPORTS THE VISION
Lokuhle Media Group joins the event as a creative and media partner, bringing its experience in artist management, event management, marketing, media production, photography, videography, graphic design and creative production.
Director Phindokuhle Sithole said the collaboration was about creating opportunities for artists while demonstrating the importance of partnerships within Eswatini’s entertainment industry.
“We believe that the growth of the creative industry depends on collaboration. An artist needs more than just a song; they need platforms, marketing, management, media and opportunities to connect with audiences,” said Sithole.
He said the evening was therefore an important opportunity to showcase what could be achieved when different parts of the creative industry worked towards a common vision.
“With Akuse Khula, we are not only presenting a concert. We are supporting an artistic journey and creating an experience where audiences can appreciate the music while also seeing the value of investing in Eswatini’s creative talent,” Sithole added.
MORE THAN A CONCERT
The organisers describe “An Evening With: Akuse Khula” as an experience designed to celebrate the artist’s musical story and the contribution of jazz and contemporary African music to Eswatini’s cultural landscape.
The intimate setting is expected to allow audiences to experience Khula’s music differently while giving creatives and industry stakeholders an opportunity to network and engage around the future of the local music industry.
For MSS and Lokuhle Media Group, the collaboration also highlights the potential that exists when music production, artist development, media, marketing and live entertainment come together.
The event is open to music lovers, creatives, corporate partners, industry stakeholders and members of the public.
Tickets are priced at E250, with the event taking place at the Eswatini Theatre Club from 18:00 to 22:00 on Friday, August 14.
As Akuse Khula prepares to take the stage, the evening promises not only live music but also a celebration of the creative partnerships and platforms helping shape the next chapter of Eswatini’s entertainment industry.
(Courtesy Pic)
