BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – A sea of black outfits, celebrity sightings and pulsating beats defined Thembinkosi Mthethwa’s Annual All Black Party, which brought together Eswatini’s entertainment industry players, socialites and music lovers at the iconic 23:28 Lounge on Friday night.
Headlined by renowned South African DJ, music producer and Metro FM personality Lulo Cafe, born Sikhululo Maliwa, the much-anticipated celebration delivered a stylish blend of music, fashion and entertainment in honour of Mthethwa’s birthday.
Patrons embraced the all-black dress code, turning the venue into a fashionable gathering of entertainment personalities, actors, musicians, comedians and partygoers who came out to celebrate in style.
The excitement reached another level shortly after 10pm when Lulo Cafe took over the decks. The celebrated DJ stayed true to the spirit of the occasion, serving his signature house music sounds and keeping the party atmosphere alive as revellers enjoyed his headline performance.
His appearance added regional star power to the celebration, with the South African entertainer bringing his experience and musical flair to one of Mbabane’s notable nightlife events.
However, the night was not just about the headline act. Eswatini’s own DJs and performers also took centre stage, showcasing local talent and contributing to the success of the celebration.
The lineup featured DJs Cup, Tibza, Sibu Manzini, MBO, Grixxly, MixMash, Bisto and DJ Ricko, alongside performer Young Zesh, who took to the stage after Lulo Cafe’s headline set, adding another highlight to the night’s entertainment programme.
The local contingent brought a distinctly Eswatini flavour to the event, demonstrating the variety of talent within the country’s entertainment scene. From the DJs behind the decks to the live performance by Young Zesh, the programme offered patrons a mixture of sounds and performances throughout the celebration.
One of the memorable moments of the night came after Lulo Cafe’s performance when Mthethwa, popularly known as Mr Party, took over the microphone to express his gratitude to everyone who had come out to celebrate his birthday.
Mr Party made special shout-outs to NewLife Entertainment for making the event possible, as well as to headline act Lulo Cafe for being part of the celebration. He also thanked everyone who had joined him for the special occasion, expressing how grateful and appreciative he was for their support and presence.
His heartfelt message added a personal touch to the festivities, reminding patrons that beyond the music, fashion and entertainment, the celebration was also about appreciating the people who continue to support him and his vision.
The event also attracted media attention, with several local media houses in attendance to cover the annual celebration. These included Eswatini Positive News, Eswatini Independent News, Eswatini Times and Eswatini Observer. Their presence highlighted the event’s appeal within the country’s entertainment and media landscape, bringing the night’s performances and celebrity moments to a wider audience.
Beyond the music, the party attracted a notable gathering of key players in Eswatini’s entertainment industry. Among those in attendance was Banele Dlamini, Secretary of the Eswatini Events Management and Promoters Association (EEMPA), whose presence represented the country’s organised events and promotions sector at the high-profile gathering.
Also spotted at the party were musician Sarnilo, poet Christian Maz, comedian Cedric Simelane and former soccer player Taribo Bhembe, alongside many other familiar faces from Eswatini’s entertainment and social circles.
Their presence contributed to the star-studded atmosphere, with the event providing an opportunity for personalities from different creative fields to mingle, celebrate and connect.
For Mthethwa, the annual All Black Party continues to bring together his passion for entertainment and his role as owner and CEO of the iconic 23:28 Lounge. The birthday celebration has become a platform for combining local talent with recognised regional performers while giving patrons an opportunity to enjoy a themed nightlife experience.
The success of the evening was reflected in the headline performance by Lulo Cafe, the supporting lineup of local DJs and artists, the attendance of entertainment industry figures and socialites, and the media coverage that extended the celebration beyond the venue.
With its unmistakable black dress code, lively performances and heartfelt appreciation from Mr Party, this year’s All Black Party once again placed 23:28 Lounge at the centre of Mbabane’s entertainment scene for a memorable Friday night.
