BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MALKERNS – Be ready to Eat, Sway, and Love with the top-tier line-up for the sixth edition of the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival on August 2–3 at Malandelas in Malkerns.
On Friday, the sixth edition of Lifestyle festival was officially launched by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, where the First Phase Line-Up was announced under this year’s theme, ‘Roots and the fashion, African Futurism.’
The first phase line-up includes South African singer and rapper Sjava, born Jabulani Hadebe, SA’s legendary songstress Simphiwe Dana, The Soil, Dlala Thukzin, Kelvin Momo, and Mthunzi. The locals who were also announced for the first phase are Young Zesh, Country Music singer Cleopatra, and Nomalungelo.
In attendance at the launch were; the Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, the Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Trade, Manqoba Khumalo, Standard Bank’s CE, Mvuselelo Fakudze.
The PM was introduced by Khumalo. The PM said in his speech said, “We are proud to witness the growth of this proudly Eswatini event, which has established itself as one of the leading food and fashion festivals in the Southern African region. The Luju Festival is quickly becoming one of our biggest and brightest showcases as Eswatini, further strengthening our position as a choice destination for all things arts. We are pleased to witness the impact the Luju Festival has had not just on the arts sector but also on the food and fashion industries in Eswatini. Indeed, last year, Luju Festival stalls generated over E2 million, further underscoring the festival’s overarching impact on our economy.”
He went on to applaud both Standard Bank Eswatini and House On Fire for establishing this creative platform for cultural preservation and reminding us all to embrace the diverse textures of our African identity even in an ever-evolving world. The PM also reaffirmed that His Majesty’s government will continue to support the growth of the arts in our kingdom.
The Standard Bank CE, Mvuselelo Fakudze, shared that they were expecting at least 12,000 attendees at this year’s edition. Also worth mentioning is that the festival has given back and donated E91 530 to World Vision, which is responsible for the beekeeping project. The replica cheque was handed over by House on Fire Marketing Officer Bongani Dlamini.
The launch also saw five local designers namely; Ntrentre Couture, SGONIAN REPUBLIK , SR, Sitfombo Atelier, Alvah, Ruff Cut, showcase their striking designs at the launch, which was modelled by the local models, much to the appreciation of the guests.
Food Culinary Facilitator Sasha Thorne revealed that South African celebrity chef Norma Maseko will make the panel of chefs who will work their magic at the food and lifestyle festival next month. The dinner at the launch was prepared by South African Chef Mokgadi, who shared that she was returning to the food and lifestyle for the second time because she fell in love with Eswatini foods, which speak to this year’s theme.
Guests were also treated to music by Sisonke Collective, who rendered an opera song.
