BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MALKERNS– The countdown is officially on.
With just five days to go, the Eswatini Farmers Market has become one of the biggest talking points on social media, as music lovers gear up for a packed Farmers Market Weekend at Malkerns Country Club on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The fifth edition of the lifestyle festival is generating conversation not only because of its star-studded line-up, but also because of an unexpected last-minute twist that saw South African acts Jazzwrld and Thukuthela withdraw from the event, with Royal Musiq stepping in as the replacement.
The change has added another chapter to the build-up, with fans now turning their attention to the final countdown and asking one question: What will Farmers Market Weekend look like when the gates finally open?
The answer appears to be a full day of music, fashion, arts, food and lifestyle, topped by a line-up featuring some of Southern Africa’s recognisable names.
South African stars Zee Nxumalo, Oscar Mbo, Jnr SA, Argento Dust and Royal Musiq headline the international contingent, bringing different sounds to a festival that has positioned itself as more than just a music event.
Zee Nxumalo comes with her energetic Amapiano sound, while deep-house heavyweight Oscar Mbo is expected to deliver his signature electronic sound.
Jnr SA adds another Amapiano flavour to the bill, while Argento Dust brings an Afro-Tech dimension to the festival.
The local line-up is equally extensive, featuring Team Royal, Atmos Blaq, Gifted Kosie, Drum Rhythm, DJ T.A.P & 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 & Smally, alongside many more performers.
With such a broad line-up, the message to the audience is clear: Farmers Market Weekend is designed to offer something for different musical tastes rather than relying on one sound or one performer.
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the festival has been the cancellation of Jazzwrld and Thukuthela.
According to organisers, the two artists had been booked and paid for, but their management later informed Farmers Market that they had chosen to honour an international engagement.
Organisers said they explored possible solutions but were ultimately unable to make the performances work.
Rather than leave the slots empty, Royal Musiq was brought into the line-up.
The replacement has helped keep the conversation moving, with the Amapiano producer and performer now set to bring his catalogue and dancers to the Malkerns stage.
For Farmers Market, the development also demonstrates the unpredictability that can come with putting together a major live entertainment line-up.
But music is only part of the Farmers Market story.
This year’s theme is “LOOK LIKE A COWBOY”, turning the festival into a fashion playground where cowboy hats, boots, denim and Western-inspired outfits are expected to take over Malkerns.
Festival Director and founder Mbekezile “Culolam” Dlamini previously confirmed the theme, saying:
“The 2026 theme is ‘LOOK LIKE A COWBOY’.”
The theme gives festivalgoers another reason to participate beyond watching performances. The audience itself becomes part of the visual experience.
And with social media already buzzing, the cowboy challenge could become one of the most photographed elements of the weekend.
As the countdown reaches five days, organisers are also reminding students that the clock is ticking on the special student ticket.
Student tickets cost E200, but the offer ends at midnight on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Tickets are also available through Pick n Pay and Carrot Tickets, with other ticket categories available for festivalgoers.
The event takes place on October 10 at Malkerns Country Club, where the Farmers Market experience will bring together music, fashion, arts, food and lifestyle.
From the headline acts to the homegrown performers, from the cancelled bookings to Royal Musiq’s surprise arrival, and from the music stages to the cowboy dress code, this year’s festival has already given fans plenty to talk about before the first beat drops.
Now, there are only five days left.
The hats are waiting. The boots are coming out. The artists are getting ready.
Farmers Market Weekend is almost here.
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(Courtesy Pics)
