BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– Acclaimed DJ and producer Dustinho will headline the latest edition of Rhythm & Groove at the iconic 23:28 Lounge, promising an unforgettable night of soulful beats, top local DJs and an electric atmosphere
The much-anticipated event presented by NewLife Entertainment which will be held on 24 July 2026 is expected to attract house music lovers from across Eswatini and neighbouring South Africa for a night of soulful beats, electrifying performances and an unforgettable nightlife experience.
The South African star will be joined by some of Eswatini’s finest selectors, with DJ Cup, Mixmash, Fantacy, DJ Cybos, Keisy and Slotta completing what promises to be a powerful line-up.
Early arrivals will benefit from a special E100 cover charge before 8pm, with organisers encouraging patrons to arrive early to experience the full programme.
Dustinho, whose real name is Tshepang Ntsala, has established himself as one of South Africa’s respected deep house DJs, producers and songwriters. Renowned for his signature soulful sound and captivating performances, the self-taught artist began DJing at the age of 14 before earning recognition from South African house music pioneer Vinny Da Vinci, who introduced his remixes to wider audiences by featuring them in his sets.
Since then, Dustinho has built an impressive catalogue of music, releasing projects such as For The Time Being EP, Once Every Blue Moon and Keep It Healthy, while collaborating with acclaimed artists including Chymamusique, Tebza De SouL and Brian Temba. Although his profile continues to grow across Southern Africa, he has remained private about his personal life, allowing his music to define his career.
The upcoming show builds on the growing success of the Rhythm & Groove brand, which has become one of Mbabane’s leading deep house experiences. The last reported edition, held at 23:28 Lounge in January 2025, featured South African headliner ZuluMafia, supported by local favourites DJ Cup (Welcome Zama Maseko), Phephela Fantacy Mdluli, Slotta (Nicholas Dlamini), Kingheart, Imk@RekorderDeejai and DJ Wicked. The event, which offered free entry, successfully brought together South African and Eswatini DJs and officially launched the venue’s entertainment calendar for the year.
Since then, 23:28 Lounge has strengthened its reputation as one of Eswatini’s premier nightlife destinations. The venue has hosted several successful events, including Play for the City, featuring South African DJs DK Tibza, DJ MBO and special guest Selby, as well as the well-attended Prime Time Party, which celebrated DJ Cup’s birthday and EP launch with South African producer D.General as the headline act.
Building on that momentum, organisers NewLife Entertainment believe the return of Rhythm & Groove with Dustinho at the helm will elevate the event to new heights and further cement its place on Eswatini’s entertainment calendar.
With a blend of South African star power and Eswatini’s homegrown talent, this year’s edition promises a memorable celebration of deep house music, bringing together passionate fans for a night of quality entertainment at one of the Kingdom’s most popular venues.
For lovers of soulful rhythms, infectious grooves and premium nightlife, all roads this July lead to 23:28 Lounge, where Dustinho is expected to deliver a headline performance worthy of the Rhythm & Groove legacy.
(Courtesy Pic)
