By Phumzile Ndlovu
MBABANE – Velemseni, Eswatini’s Queen of Soul, is set to make her highly anticipated debut at the Imbawula Music Festival on August 2, 2025, at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens in South Africa.
The festival, known for celebrating diversity, creativity, and community, will bring together a vibrant mix of live performances, cultural experiences, and communal energy in the heart of Tshwane.
The festival made the exciting announcement two days ago on their social media, saying:”Vukani Vukani! Meet the_velemseni, Eswatini’s Queen of Soul. She joins us at the #ImbawulaMusicFestival this August. Her music reflects Eswatini culture and aesthetics, drawing from genres like Swazi gospel, soul, African soul, cinematic, and traditional music. You know you’re in for a treat! Tag your friends and let them know the_velemseni is bringing her Swazi vibe to Pitori!”
Velemseni confirmed the news, expressing her excitement for her debut performance at the festival. “I’m excited to be performing at the debut of the Imbawula Music Festival. Looking at the line-up so far, it really feels like a bridge for Eswatini arts to cross-pollinate with South African arts and artists. It’s a beautiful thing,” she said.
“For me personally, it’s the location—those who know me know I have a green thumb. I’m passionate about flowers and plants, and I’m excited to see how nature might be incorporated into the stage design. I can’t wait to see what the set will look like. It’s also my debut performance in Pretoria.”
Tickets for the festival are available at www.imbawula.co.za.
In September, Velemseni will take her artistry to the international stage once again, performing at the prestigious Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival in Johannesburg. The 26th edition of this iconic event will take place from September 26 to 28, 2025, at the Sandton International Convention Centre.
Velemseni’s career has been a journey of soulful growth. Her debut album We Are People (2014), produced by David F (France), Martin Berauer (Austria), and Eswatini’s own Bholoja, was a rich blend of soulful vocals, acoustic warmth, and African rhythms. The album received considerable airplay on EBIS 1 and 2, even inspiring a mini-tour in the United States.
The Queen of Soul has graced many premier stages, including MTN Bushfire, FNB Smooth Fest, The Orbit Jazz Club, and the State Opening of Parliament. Her music blends jazz, African soul, gospel, and cinematic influences, all rooted in the cultural heartbeat of Eswatini.
