BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS- It’s official , DJ Cup is about to make his mark on one of Eswatini’s biggest stages!
The deep house maestro will make his debut performance at the iconic Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival, joining a powerhouse line-up of local and international acts. From podcast mixes to packed-out gigs across Southern Africa, DJ Cup is now ready to bring his signature sound to the Luju stage this August.
The Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival – scheduled for 1–2 August 2025 at the vibrant House On Fire. The festival, now in its seventh edition, unveiled its second artist drop on Friday, (18 July 2025), featuring a dynamic blend of local and regional talent. Among the local acts joining the lineup are DJ Cup (born Welcome Zama Maseko), Sandz (Sandziso Matsebula), AYACITY (Ayanda Motsa), NDUMZ, and others.
South African acts joining the bill include:
– Jazzworx
– Thukuthela
– Andile Yenana,
– Nomfundo Moh.
DJ Cup expressed his excitement about joining the LUJU stage for the first time: “I’m so excited and honoured for this opportunity to perform at this year’s Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival. I cannot wait for this one.”
The New Life Records-signed artist also teased upcoming new music and collaborations with top South African DJs, hinting at a vibrant second half of 2025.
Offering words of encouragement to aspiring DJs, DJ Cup said, “Work hard every day to be the best. Brand and position yourself as an artist. Build your legacy and be unique in everything you do.”
The Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle First Artist drop was announced at the launch early this month include ;Amigo Da Casa, Blaq Diamond, Buhlebendalo, Hostix Mabuse, Tkzee, Lwah Ndlukulu, De Mthuda, The Feather Dusters, iYa, Phila Dlozi Lady Zamar and many more.
Two months ago DJ Cup released a stellar project titled “Prime Time Jams Part 1”, a deep house collection featuring local vocalists Zinia, Mvelo Tsabedze, and Temantungwa. The project, produced by DJ Cup explores themes of love, ambition, and bold living – all wrapped in signature soulful house beats.
The DJ is currently working as the operations director of New Life Entertainment. A local entertainment establishment that deals with events, sound hire models, music, and a recording studio. With over 10 years of experience, DJ Cup has graced stages across Eswatini, South Africa, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Apart from being a DJ and producer, he also runs deep house podcast mixes, and currently serves as Operations Director at New Life Entertainment, overseeing artist bookings, studio recording, sound hire, and mentorship.
His unique sound has earned him accolades, including Best House Song (2020) and Best Collaboration (2021) at the MTN SWAMA Awards.
Last month, DJ Cup performed at the exclusive Italian Elegant Experience in Maputo, Mozambique, where he shared the stage with international acts like Sianageddon (UK’s United Nations Collective), Oscar Mbo, and Picat Da Italian. The event showcased a fusion of elegance and house beats with artists like Double Drop, Cortega, Khataza, Milena Silva, and more.
With his LUJU debut now locked in, DJ Cup is undeniably entering a new chapter—one that will cement his status as one of Eswatini’s leading house music exports.
(Courtesy Pics)
