BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE — Four countries, one festival!
The highly anticipated Makoti Festival is just days away, and it has recently welcomed Botswana’s cultural performer Khumagadi to its line-up. This addition brings the total number of participating countries to four, with Eswatini as the host. Joining Eswatini will be artists and DJs from Mozambique, Lesotho, and South Africa.
The exciting announcement was made on Sunday via the festival’s social media page and confirmed by Festival Director Thembinkosi Mthethwa. The fourth edition of the festival is set to take place next Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Malkerns Country Club, with gates opening at 11 AM.
The statement read in part: “Botswana’s biggest entertainment TV show PULA POWER is proud to announce that Botswana’s traditional music sensation Khumagadi has been chosen to be Botswana’s Ambassador and performer at the most anticipated regional cultural event Makoti Festival, which will be happening on the 26th of April in Eswatini at the Malkerns Country Club.”
The MCs and guest MCs who will grace the Makoti stage this year include Mzwakhe Tjovitjo Khumalo and Siphesihle Nkwanyana as the main MCs. The guest MCs are Buhle (born Nobuhle Glennette Ndlovu), a radio host from Ligwalagwala FM, and Moska Saeed Mositi from Lesotho.
The Full Line-Up of Performing Artists, DJs, and Countries
HOST COUNTRY, ESWATINI ARTISTS
– Shongwe Ne Khuphuka
– Young Zesh
– Gogo Mpila
– King Kanga
– Siyinqaba
– Mshikishi
– Young Love
– DJ MBO
– Master P
– The Bishop
– Culolam
– Sbu The Drum DJ
– Nelson X
– Lady Zee
– UrcousinPhayo
SOUTH AFRICA
– Dr. Rebecca Malope
– Khuzani “uGatsheni” Ndlovu
– Phumla Music
MOZAMBIQUE
– Lizha James
– DJ Supaman
LESOTHO
– Ntate Stunna
– DJ Tseko
– DJ Mekonko
BOTSWANA
-Khumagadi
The first edition of Makoti Festival was held in April 2022. The brand has grown significantly, with media launches in three different countries last month. Media activations occurred in South Africa (Mbombela), Lesotho, and Mozambique (Maputo).
Tickets are still available through platforms like Howler, Instacash, Computicket, Mojaticket, and the official website, www.makotifestival.com.
The ticket prices are as follows: General Admission is E300, while VIP Tickets are E500. Tickets can also be purchased via MoMo through MTN Eswatini, with a step-by-step guide provided for convenience.
The Makoti Festival is designed to be a family-oriented event that promotes Eswatini culture. It celebrates modern women, including both married and unmarried individuals, as well as young girls aspiring to embrace their identity as makotis. The festival will feature various activities, including fashion and food stalls, along with live performances that showcase trendy fashion for women of all ages.
This year’s festival promises to be an exciting and culturally enriching experience for attendees, highlighting the vibrant traditions and contemporary expressions of Eswatini culture.
#PulaPower #bwtalent2theworld #localtalent
