By PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Eswatini artist Sibu Manzini is promising a high-energy Afro House experience when he takes to the stage at Thembinkosi Mthethwa’s Annual All Black Party this Friday.
Manzini is among the artists set to perform at the much-anticipated celebration, which will be headlined by celebrated South African DJ and Metro FM personality Lulo Cafe at 23:28 Lounge Checkers in Mbabane on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Speaking ahead of the event, Manzini said he was excited to be part of a celebration that has become an important fixture on Eswatini’s entertainment calendar.
“It’s always a great feeling to be part of a big celebration like this, especially in Eswatini,” Manzini said.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with the crowd, sharing my sound and being part of an event that brings people together through music. For me, it’s another opportunity to represent what I do and give people a great experience.”
HIGH-ENERGY PERFORMANCE
Manzini said he plans to bring an energetic Afro House set designed to get the crowd moving before the headline performance.
“I’m bringing a high-energy Afro House set with a lot of groove and emotion. I want to get the crowd moving and create the right atmosphere for the night,” he said.
“I’ll definitely be playing some of my own music as well as records that people know and love. By the time Lulo Cafe comes on, the crowd should already be fully locked in.”
The artist believes the atmosphere created by the All Black Party is part of what makes the event particularly appealing to performers.
“The atmosphere is a big part of it. It’s an event where people come dressed up, come to have a good time and really enjoy the music,” he said.
“From an artist’s perspective, that makes it exciting because you’re performing for a crowd that has come ready to celebrate.”
SHARING THE STAGE
Manzini will be sharing the stage with a strong lineup of local talent alongside headline act Lulo Cafe, something he says he is looking forward to.
“I’m excited to perform alongside everyone on the lineup. Each artist brings a unique sound and energy, so sharing the stage with such talented local and international acts is something I’m really looking forward to,” he said.
He said the event would also provide an opportunity for creatives to connect and experience different sounds.
“It will be a great opportunity to connect with other creatives, experience different sounds and contribute to an unforgettable night.”
For his own performance, Manzini promises a set that will showcase different moods while maintaining the energy on the dance floor.
“They can expect a proper Sibu Manzini experience. I’m putting together a set that moves through different moods but still keeps the energy up,” he said.
“I’ll also be featuring some of my latest music, so there will definitely be a few things for people to look forward to. I just want people to leave the dance floor feeling like they experienced something.”
LULO CAFE HEADLINES ALL BLACK PARTY
Thembinkosi’s Annual All Black Party is shaping up to be a major night on the local entertainment calendar, with South African DJ and Metro FM personality Lulo Cafe ( Sikhululo Maliwa) leading the entertainment lineup.
Lulo Cafe will be joined by a mix of local artists and DJs, including DJ Cup, MBO, Young Zesh, Grixxly, Sibu Manzini, Tibza, MixMash, Bisto and DJ Ricko.
The combination of DJs and live performers is expected to keep the party moving throughout the night, with Manzini among the artists tasked with building the atmosphere ahead of the headline performance.
The event is presented by New Life Entertainment in celebration of Thembinkosi Mthethwa’s birthday. Mthethwa is the owner and CEO of 23:28 Lounge and a prominent figure in Eswatini’s entertainment industry. He is also known for his role as a lead actor on Ekhaya and his involvement in some of the country’s major entertainment productions.
Mthethwa’s actual birthday falls on September 23, with the annual celebration taking place this year on October 9.
BLACK DRESS CODE, MUSIC AND CELEBRATION
True to its name, the party carries an ALL BLACK theme, with guests expected to turn up in their best black outfits for a night combining fashion, music and celebration.
The event will kick off from 6pm and continue until late, giving partygoers plenty of time to enjoy the different acts on the lineup before and after Lulo Cafe’s headline performance.
Entry is E100 after 8pm.
For guests looking for a more exclusive experience, table bookings are available on 7927 0015.
For Manzini, however, the most important ingredients will be the music, atmosphere and people coming together.
“Because it’s going to be a night of great music, good energy and a proper celebration,” he said.
“Put on your best black outfit, come with your friends and come ready to dance. With the lineup we have, especially Lulo Cafe, this is definitely a night you don’t want to miss.”
With the countdown now underway, Manzini is preparing to take his place among the artists tasked with setting the tone for what is expected to be a major night on the local entertainment calendar.
