BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MALKERNS – A second legend announced for the fourth edition of Makoti Festival!
A living legend, Gogo Mpila (76), born Khokhiwe Masango from Nswangwini, is the second music veteran who will grace the Makoti Stage after South African Queen of Gospel, Dr. Rebecca Malope was announced last week Friday.
This was confirmed by Makoti Festival Director Thembinkosi Mthethwa. The fourth edition of the Makoti Festival will be held at Malkerns Country Club on 26 April 2025.
The festival is presented by New Life Entertainment, in partnership with the Illa Penboy Foundation.
According to Mthethwa, Mpila is the queen of traditional music; she is bringing the soul of Eswatini to life! From humble beginnings to national recognition, her journey is pure magic!
It is worth noting that she started playing as a young girl in 1961, performing at different events and community gatherings. She went professional in 2004, earning a spot at Eswatini Smart Partnership and performing at the 40/40 Double Celebration in 2008.
Gogo Mpila has shared the stage with legends like South African Mbuso Khoza. She also performed at the Eswatini National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) regional and finals in 2024, and even wowed the crowd at Miss Eswatini Finals 2024.
She is currently working on her much-anticipated album, which will be released in August 2025. Gogo Mphila plays the Makhoyane and Sitolotolo—and even crafts her own instruments! At her age, she continues to inspire, proving that music knows no age.
The two legends (Mpila and Malope) join the already exciting line-up, which includes; Mozambique’s own queen of Afro-beat, the sensational, multi-award-winning Lizha James, and South African Maskandi powerhouse Khuzani. “uGatsheni” Ndlovu, gospel ensemble, Shongwe Ne Khuphuka, Siyinqaba duo, which consists of Muti (born Muzi Ngwenya) and KrTC (born Thamsanqa Sibandze), NACA 2024 Outstanding Afro-pop artist Young Zesh, born Mzwandile Comfort Ginindza, Mshikishi Mndzebele, and King Kanga.
Early bird tickets are still available on Howler, Computicket, Mojaticket, and www.makotifestival.com.
The purpose of the family-orientated festival is to promote Eswatini culture. It is a celebration of modern women, in particular married or unmarried, and young girls who aspire to be proud makotis in the near future. The festival provides fashion stalls, food stalls, and live performances. The festival is known for celebrating trendy fashion for young and old women from different backgrounds.
