BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI- As the sun begins to slip below the horizon, the sound of voices, instruments and poetry is set to share the same space when the Sunset Concert returns later this year.
The Sunset Concert is taking a broader approach to its third edition, bringing visual art and poetry into a programme that has traditionally centred on classical, opera, jazz, pop and African music. The concert is scheduled for 21 November 2026, although the venue has not yet been confirmed.
What began as an outdoor live-music experience is now being shaped around several creative disciplines, with organisers inviting poets and visual artists to prepare work for this year’s programme.
The move adds another layer to an event that has already sought to bring different musical traditions into the same space. Classical and opera performances are expected to feature alongside jazz, African sounds, pop and crossover music. Rather than keeping the evening centred on one genre, the programme is designed around the interaction between different forms of performance.
For audiences familiar with classical and opera, the concert offers a live setting for choral and instrumental performances. For those less familiar with the genres, the inclusion of jazz, African and contemporary music provides a more varied entry point.
The 2026 edition will also include people with disabilities, with organisers planning opportunities for participants to showcase their artistic abilities. According to the organisers, the inclusion is part of a wider effort to create space for different creatives within the programme.
Looking beyond the music and fun the focus is also on organisations and businesses interested in supporting music, culture, inclusion, youth development and Eswatini’s creative industries. The organisers are looking beyond sponsorship for a single event, with the intention of building partnerships that can contribute to opportunities for local creatives.
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(Courtesy Pic)
