By Phumzile Ndlovu
MBABANE – ‘Eswatini it’s your turn, come Friday!’
The continent is getting a serious dose of fashion-forward rhythm as the Italian Elegant Xperience (IEX) expands its footprint across Eswatini, Mozambique, and South Africa this winter. From the glowing beaches of Maputo to the vibrant streets of Mbabane, and ultimately to the world-class Formula-K Racetrack in Benoni, the IEX tour is setting new standards for luxury music experiences.
Fresh off selling out Phase 1 general access tickets for the Benoni leg—dubbed “Monaco in the East”—IEX is proving to be the most sought-after winter lifestyle event of 2025. The South Africa finale is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, promising a grand close to a cross-border celebration where music meets fashion in the most sophisticated way.
Before then, the tour will make explosive stops in Mozambique and Eswatini, with a powerful line-up featuring house music royalty and fresh African talent.
First stop Italian Elegance Comes to Eswatini – June 20, 2025 at 23:28 Lounge Mbabane Checkers Business Park.
Eswatini will get its own taste of the tour magic when Vinny Da Vinci and Picat Da Italian headline the Italian Elegant Xperience Activation: Lost in Translation at the revamped 23:28 Lounge in Mbabane.
Presented by New Life Entertainment, this exclusive night promises music, elegance, and luxury, blending international legends with local favourites. Supporting acts include:
DJ Cup – Award-winning producer and sound curator
Slotta – Progressive house artist
Tibza – Deep house specialist
Doors open at 4:00 PM; entry is E100 after 8:00 PM, with table bookings via 7927 0015. The lounge, recently upgraded in collaboration with DoubleMalt (Swaziland Beverages), is fast becoming the capital’s top nightlife spot.
“We’re proud to host global icons like Vinny and Picat,” said Thembinkosi Mthethwa, CEO of 23:28 Lounge. “This night will blend high-end sound, sophisticated style, and unforgettable energy.”
Next Stop: Maputo, Mozambique – June 21, 2025
Eswatini’s own DJ Cup (Zama Welcome Maseko) is poised for a major South Beach Stage takeover at South Beach Maputo in a coastal edition of the IEX. Sharing the stage with international heavyweights including Sianageddon (UK), Oscar Mbo (SA), Picat Da Italian, and Mozambique’s celebrated Sky White, DJ Cup will deliver his signature deep house set to an international crowd.
“This is more than a gig—it’s a movement,” said DJ Cup, who recently dropped a new collaboration project featuring Eswatini vocalists Zinia, Temantungwa, and Mvelo Tsabedze. “Mozambique is always electric, and I’m thrilled to represent the Kingdom.”
Grand Finale: Benoni, South Africa – July 12, 2025
After turning heads across the region, the IEX Tour culminates at Formula-K Racetrack in Benoni, Gauteng. Already making waves with its sold-out Phase 1 tickets, the event’s Black & Glow theme invites guests into a world of upscale fashion, curated DJ sets, and immersive experiences.
From beachside beats in Maputo to Mbabane’s urban elegance and Gauteng’s festival-style finale, Italian Elegant Xperience 2025 is much more than an event—it’s a continental lifestyle movement, where sophistication meets sound and Africa dances in style.
