By Phumzile Ndlovu
NHLANGANO – An atmosphere of joy, music, and celebration filled the air at Mbangweni Royal Residence as three renowned South African artists graced His Majesty King Mswati III’s 57th birthday Garden Party on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Guests were treated to mesmerizing performances by legendary jazz maestro Don Laka, celebrated gospel artist Solly Mahlangu, and the beloved Afro-pop duo Mafikizolo.
Don Laka, no stranger to the Royal festivities having performed at last year’s Garden Party at Lozitha Royal Residence, set a vibrant tone for the evening. Performing alongside local saxophonist Zwile Bhembe, he delivered a soulful set that warmed up the grand marquee, which this year was almost twice as large and even more splendidly adorned than before.
Afterward, Programme Directors Mzwakhe Tjovitjo Khumalo and Phiwa Dhlamini thrilled the audience by introducing Solly Mahlangu, who was met with thunderous applause. Mahlangu, elegantly dressed in a stylish black shimmering ensemble, lifted spirits with his timeless hits like “Obrigado,” “Wahamba Nathi,” and “Ngubani Ongavuma Ushathane Adlale Ngaye,” backed powerfully by the Mandvulo Praise Team.
Bringing the Garden Party to an electrifying peak, Mafikizolo’s Nhlanhla Mafu and Theo Kgosinkwe had everyone on their feet, dancing to beloved tracks such as “Masithokoze,” “Songithole Mlanjeni,” and “Nisiqoshelani.” Their energetic and joyful performance left the crowd buzzing with excitement.
As the evening drew to a close, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini called the Royal Family to the stage, where His Majesty King Mswati III, joined by Her Majesty the Indlovukazi (The Queen Mother), delighted the gathering by cutting a stunning four-tier white and gold cake.
This year’s Garden Party not only featured a larger and more technically advanced marquee—with two technical stations and an impressive stage backdrop featuring the national flag—but also seamless coordination by the Eswatini Television Authority technical team.
To crown the night, the public joined the Royal Family in marveling at a spectacular midnight fireworks display, a fitting finale to an evening filled with laughter, unity, and celebration.