BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MANZINI – The 2026 Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) is turning up the volume with a Mzansi invasion, as some of South Africa’s recognisable musical names prepare to cross the border and share the stage with Eswatini’s finest.
The South African contingent was revealed by Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) Marketing Manager Phamela Mkhonta on Friday during the local artist launch at Ngwenya Glass, where creatives were also introduced to the sustainability message behind this year’s trade fair.
Among the South African acts announced are Afro-pop singer Mduduzi Ncube, Simmy, Aymos, DJ Tira, Q Twins and EEMOH, adding a strong regional flavour to an entertainment programme dominated by local talent.
Mduduzi Ncube brings a story of persistence to the EITF stage. The Hammarsdale-born singer’s breakthrough came after he famously performed outside DJ Tira’s Afrotainment offices with his guitar until the music boss noticed his talent. That moment opened the door to collaborations and eventually led to his work with Big Zulu’s Inkabi Records. His soulful Afro-pop sound has since earned him recognition through songs including Isiginci.
Simmy, meanwhile, brings a distinctly soulful touch. Born Simphiwe Nhlangulela in Tugela, KwaZulu-Natal, the singer grew up influenced by her father’s love of maskandi and country music. She later appeared on Idols SA and South Africa’s Got Talent before gaining wider attention through Sun-El Musician’s Ntaba Ezikude. Her debut album, Tugela Fairy, helped establish her in the house and Afrosoul space.
Aymos will add his unmistakable Amapiano vocals to the mix. The Tembisa-born singer and songwriter is best known for his work in the Amapiano scene, including the hit Emcimbini, produced by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa.
The line-up also carries serious dance-floor credentials through DJ Tira, a veteran of South Africa’s house and kwaito movement and founder of Afrotainment, a label credited with nurturing major talent in the country’s dance music scene.
Adding a sibling touch are the Q Twins, Virginia and Viggy Qwabe, the KwaZulu-Natal duo who rose to prominence after appearing on Idols South Africa before releasing music under Afrotainment.
EEMOH, another emerging South African voice, will bring his genre-blending Amapiano sound to the fair, further widening the musical palette.
The Mzansi stars will perform alongside more than 40 acts during the nine-day EITF, running from 29 August to 6 September 2026 at Mavuso Sports Centre in Manzini.
With more than 70 per cent of the entertainment programme reserved for local artists, the South African performers are not replacing Eswatini talent but joining them in a cross-border celebration of African creativity, music and culture.
Under the theme “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion,” EITF 2026 is shaping up to be more than a trade platform – it is becoming a meeting point where business, culture and entertainment collide.
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