By Phumzile Ndlovu
MBABANE – Afro-Soul meets electro in Bholoja’s new sound!
Afro-soul pioneer Bholoja is set to light up the stage at the debut Imbawula Festival with a bold new sound — a fusion of his iconic Eswatini Soul and electrifying house music.
The much-anticipated festival is scheduled for Saturday, 2 August 2025, at the lush Pretoria Botanical Gardens in South Africa. Bholoja will be sharing the stage with fellow Eswatini sensations Zee Nxumalo and Velemseni Ndzimandze, the Queen of Soul.
In an exclusive interview, Bholoja (born Mbongiseni Ngubane) teased what fans can expect from his evolving sound.“I’m introducing electronic and house elements into Eswatini Soul. It’s a sound people can dance to — fresh, relatable, and still deeply rooted in my original style,” he said. “We’re adding a DJ to the band to keep up with global trends and expand our reach.”
This sonic shift was first introduced recently during a performance at The METRO FM Awards with local saxophonist Zwile Bhembe and a DJ. The response was electric — a TikTok video from the show reached over 17 000 views in just two days, proving fans are excited and ready for the new wave.
Bholoja’s journey into genre-blending continued at the recent MTN Bushfire Firefly Stage, where he performed a soulful duet titled “Jika with Tenderness” with vocalist Sibu Manzini. The performance continues to trend on TikTok, with fans praising the emotional delivery and creative synergy.
“This new direction doesn’t mean I’m leaving the old Bholoja behind,” he clarified. “I’ll still be releasing albums for my jazz and traditional audience — we’re just broadening the soundscape.”
Bholoja’s legacy as a cultural ambassador remains strong. Since his breakout album Swazi Soul in 2009, he has carried the torch for Eswatini’s musical identity, blending indigenous rhythms with contemporary messages. His mission remains rooted in preserving Swati heritage while adapting to modern sonic landscapes.
In 2024, he was named a CollaboNation artist alongside Mozambican star Stewart Sukuma, continuing to push boundaries and build bridges across Southern African music.
The Imbawula Festival 2025 promises a vibrant celebration of music, diversity, and creative culture. Taking place in the heart of Tshwane, the event brings together live performances, immersive cultural showcases, and community connection in a scenic setting.
Tickets are available now via www.imbawula.co.za.
