BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MANZINI – A one on one with new Swazi Boy PRO!
With the build-up of the highly anticipated sixth edition of Musiq Fest (HMF) hosted by Swazi Boy, which will be held at the Manzini Club on 29 March 2025, we met up with their newly appointed, Public Relations Officer (PRO) Nduduzo Nkonyane “Dankos”, to get a feel on what to expect at this year’s festival next month.
Nkonyane was appointed the PRO of Swazi Boy at the beginning of February 2025. The first drop of artists announced includes; the local Afro House duo: The Scientists, Expo, Fantasy, and Selby. Phase two will drop tomorrow (21 February 2025).
The festival features live performances by top house music DJs, interactive workshops, panels of music lovers, food trucks, and vendors offering delicious foods and networking opportunities with fellow house music enthusiasts.
This is what the newly appointed PRO had to say;
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT WHAT ELSE WERE YOU BUSY WITHIN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY?
Well before I was appointed PRO, I was just an observer in the entertainment industry. I would also do MC gigs here and there, as well as stand-up comedy for a while but then left that field. I then took a break from the scenes in the industry for some time up until now when Swazi Boy saw it fit that I work with them.
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN THIS POSITION BEFORE?
I was once a PRO for one of the biggest Basketball Team in the country Mbabane Knicks around 2013/14.
IN YOUR OPINION HOW ARE OUR FESTIVALS IMPACTING OUR YOUTH AND SOCIETY?
Well, I’d say the festivals are impacting the youth positively in the sense that they get hired for their different skills/abilities. In the music space for instance big shows like the MTN Bushfire Festival, the very best House Music Fest, Makoti Festival, and Swazi Polo the youth get hired as DJs, security, and others working at the gates for tickets, collections you name it. So I’d say the festivals are a good side hustle for the youth.
DO YOU THINK OUR ARTS COUNCIL IS DOING ENOUGH IN TERMS OF SUPPORTING FESTIVALS AND ARTISTS?
Well, I’d say I’ve seen the Art industry coming together with festival shows, for the two go hand in hand. The MTN Bushfire, for example, is one show that will have so much space for the Arts. But luckily even last year’s House Musiq Fest had lots of stalls for Arts to come showcase and sell their merchandise. Even though there’s still much room for improvement.
WHAT CAN YOU PROMISE FANS OF HOUSE MUSIQ FEST THIS YEAR?
As far as this year’s House Music Fest 25 is concerned, we are set to bring more good artists from both locally and out of the country. At the moment Phase One has been released and has good DJs already and our supporters should await Phase Two and Three that’s still yet to be revealed.
We just encouraging our supporters to quickly get their tickets both General and VIP at Computicket available at all Shoprite shops. Early Bird tickets are now available at Computicket at all Shoprite stores nationwide. Tickets start from E350.
