BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS— The Makoti Festival, a hallmark celebration of Eswatini’s culture and modern womanhood, has officially confirmed its fifth edition for 25 April 2026 at the picturesque Malkerns Country Club.
The announcement follows a highly successful 2025 event and has already sparked excitement among festival-goers, designers, and cultural enthusiasts.
This year’s fourth Makoti Festival was held on 26 April 2025, also at Malkerns Country Club, and by all accounts, it was a resounding success. The event drew a diverse crowd from Eswatini and the broader Southern African region, highlighting its growing reputation as a cross-border celebration.
The 2025 lineup was especially impressive, featuring music heavyweights such as South African gospel icon Dr. Rebecca Malope, Mozambican Afro‑beat queen Lizha James, and Maskandi star Khuzani “uGatsheni” Ndlovu. Notably, the festival also welcomed performers from four different countries, Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho, and Mozambique, demonstrating the event’s regional appeal and cultural relevance.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, 11 local DJs were on deck, delivering a rich mix of sound and energy throughout the day. The DJ roster included Young Love, DJ MBO, Master P, The Bishop, Culolam, Sbu The Drum DJ, Nelson X, Lady Zee, UrcousinPhayo, DJ Tseko, and DJ MEnyoko. Their performances provided a perfect backdrop to the festival’s celebration of tradition and modernity.
In addition to music, the 2025 festival offered cultural attractions, fashion stalls, and food vendors, reflecting the Makoti Festival’s mission to promote Eswatini heritage while empowering women. One of the most anticipated highlights was the Best Dressed Makoti competition, through which attendees showcased their creativity and cultural pride. Winners of the fashion contest walked away with a weekend getaway for two at Olive Country Lodge.
The Makoti brand is increasingly regional in reach. Ahead of the April 2025 festival, organizers rolled out media activations in South Africa (Mbombela), Mozambique (Maputo), and Lesotho, building momentum and anticipation beyond Eswatini’s borders.
Tickets for the 2025 edition flew off the shelves. General admission tickets, initially priced at E200, sold out quickly, pushing the price up to E300. VIP tickets were also in demand, priced at E500. For the convenience of attendees, the festival expanded its ticket distribution network, adding Mojaticket outlets across several regions.
A core pillar of the Makoti Festival is its celebration of modern women — married or not — and young girls who aspire to embrace their identity as “makoti,” or new brides. The festival provides a vibrant platform for cultural expression, fashion, and empowerment, bringing communities together around tradition, style, and unity.
With the fifth edition now locked in for April 2026, organizers say they are already preparing to exceed expectations. While details about next year’s performers and activities are still being finalized, one thing is clear: the Makoti Festival continues to grow — not just as a cultural gathering, but as a regional beacon of community, creativity, and celebration.
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(Courtesy Pic)
