BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MALKERNS – South African Maskandi powerhouse, Khuzani “uGatsheni” Ndlovu has been revealed as the first artist to grace the fourth edition of the Makoti Festival in April.
The Makoti Festival will be held on 26 April 2025 at Malkerns Country Club, Malkerns. The festival is presented by New Life Entertainment, in partnership with the Illa Penboy Foundation. This was confirmed by the Festival Director Thembinkosi Mthethwa today (3 February 2025).
When reached for comment Mthethwa said, “The Makoti Festival is thrilled to announce that the Maskandi powerhouse, Khuzani “uGatsheni” Ndlovu, will be lighting up our stage this year. Let’s link up for an unforgettable celebration of culture and music at the Makoti Festival 2025! This is your chance to witness the electrifying energy of Khuzani live on stage. Don’t miss out on this epic event,” said Mthetwa.
“uGatsheni” ,Mlungisi Khuzani Ndlovu (35) was born and raised in Pongola KwaZulu-Natal, he has taken the Maskandi world by storm since his debut in 2012 at the age of 22. His ground-breaking album, Inhlupheko, not only topped the charts but also earned Platinum status from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
Mthethwa shared with this publication that tickets to the fourth edition of the festival are now available. “Secure your tickets now and be part of the excitement. General Pre-sale tickets worth E200 and E500 VIP will only be available in February.”
Tickets are available online on Computickets, Howler, and MojaTicket.
Last year’s Makoti Festival was headlined by award-winning South African gospel artist Ntokozo Mbambo, Grammy Award winners for Best Global Music, South African singer and songwriter Nomcebo Zikode, Lesotho artists Mavele & Tash, DJ Menkoko, DJ Tseko, and Sotho Kids. Tchakaze and a dance group, Tufo Mafalala, from Mozambique, Masibuyele KuJehova, and Mthandeni SK.
The festival also included 11 local artists, namely, Mvelo, Lodanda Nemalangeni, Thobile Makhoyane, Bholoja, M Nation, DJ Cup, Tendeness, Jazz in Soul, Wassabee, Speech Umlangeni, and Khole.
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.
