BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE – Award-winning rapper and MTN Bushfire Firefly winner Ace Julz has embarked on his second trip to Botswana, where he is set to represent Eswatini at the Echoes of the Wild Kasane Weekender this weekend.
The international booking marks another milestone for the fast-rising artist, whose regional profile continues to grow following his participation in the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture programme in Botswana earlier this year.
His return comes just weeks after taking part in the cultural exchange initiative, which followed his performance at the EU Bushfire High School Festival in May. The programme connected him with creatives and cultural practitioners from across Southern Africa, ultimately leading to an invitation to perform at the Kasane-based festival.
Speaking before his departure, Ace Julz described the opportunity as another chance to fly Eswatini’s flag on an international stage.
“I am not just going there to watch, I am going there to work and represent my kingdom through music,” he said.
The rapper said the invitation demonstrates how one opportunity can open doors to another, revealing that organisers of the festival discovered his work during the cultural exchange programme.
“It started with one stage and that same trip led to this booking,” he added.
Ace Julz believes performing beyond Eswatini is not only a personal achievement but also an opportunity to showcase the country’s creative talent to new audiences. He said his music tells authentic African stories inspired by everyday experiences, ambition and the realities faced by young people across the region.
He further noted that international exposure is vital for the growth of Eswatini’s creative industry, as it creates pathways for other emerging artists to access regional and global platforms.
“We are opening the road for those who come after us,” he said.
His latest international performance also comes as he continues to build momentum with the release of his new single, Cold, featuring Botswana spoken-word artist Legodile “Dredd X” Seganabeng and Eswatini vocalist Xolani Matsebula, further strengthening creative collaborations across Southern Africa.
Ace Julz’s return to Botswana highlights the growing recognition of Eswatini’s music industry, with the artist continuing to position himself as one of the country’s emerging cultural ambassadors on the regional stage.
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