…over 70% local acts set to headline EITF 2026…
…more than 40 acts lined up for nine days…
…artists explore green economy opportunities at ngwenya glass…
…EITF blends trade, talent and entertainment…
BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MANZINI-The stage is set, the microphones are warming up and Eswatini’s creative energy is ready to take centre stage. With the 2026 Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) promising nine days of business, culture and entertainment, local artists are being given a front-row seat.
EITF will feature over 70 per cent local artists, DJs and music acts among more than 40 performers lined up for the 58th edition of the trade fair, which runs from 29 August to 6 September 2026 at Mavuso Sports Centre in Manzini.
The revelation was made by EIPA Marketing Manager Phamela Mkhonta on Friday during a tour of Ngwenya Glass, where about 25 local artists gathered to experience sustainability and local enterprise as part of the EITF 2026 theme, “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion.”
Mkhonta said the strong local representation reflects EITF’s commitment to creating opportunities for Eswatini’s creative industry while bringing entertainment into a wider platform for trade, investment and economic growth.
She said the artists’ participation goes beyond performing on stage, as the initiative also exposes creatives to local businesses and opportunities within the green economy.
The entertainment programme will kick off in style on 29 August, with local favourites including M Nation, Mazwelany, Linda Dlamini, Zulu D, Young Zesh, MCO Jamrock, DJ Matamza and DJ MaBee, alongside South African acts Mduduzi Ncube and Simmy.
The excitement will continue throughout the nine-day fair, with gospel, contemporary music, DJs, live performances and dance showcases keeping visitors entertained across different spaces.
Other names on the programme include Ndawonye Christ Worshipers, Jumbo, Shongwe ne Khuphuka, Phathwakahle, Make Siwela, Obsession, Sweet Shandis, Bandora, Lady Zee, Lady Gee, DJ Mike, DJ Njebza, Sbu De Drum DJ, DJ Tira, Q Twins and EEMOH.
The line-up also features DJ Mbo, DJ Cup, DJ Crooks, DJ KL, DJ Mixmash, Aymos, Darren, Criss Tino, Xolwa, Mthandeni SK, Thaifo Son, Ayacity and Bisto, among others.
Opening day will set the pace, while Gospel Sunday on 30 August will feature acts including Lungelo Hlongwane, Ndawonye Christ Worshipers, Jumbo, Shongwe ne Khuphuka, Phathwakahle and Make Siwela. Jumbo Khumalo will serve as MC for the day.
Beyond music, dance competitions will give emerging performers another platform to showcase their talent.
With local creatives taking the majority share of the entertainment programme, EITF 2026 is positioning the Trade Fair not only as a marketplace for products and ideas, but also as a vibrant stage where Eswatini talent can shine.
#EITF2026 #EswatiniInternationalTradeFair #LocalArtistsFirst #EswatiniArtists #GreenEconomy #SustainableTrade #YoungZesh #Sancheziey #MCOJamrock #NgwenyaGlass #EIPA
