BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Makhoyane lifts Eswatini flag high in Colombia!
Another proud moment for Eswatini as local artist Thobile ‘Makhoyane’ Magagula gave a thrilling performance at the Pacific Music Festival Petronio Álvarez in the City of Cali in Colombia last week.
The festival marked the partnership’s first cultural and artist exchange initiative, which saw Makhoyane travel to Cali to perform at the Colombian festival, which was held from August 14 to August 19, 2024.
When reached for comment, Makhoyane shared with this publication that it was a great experience for her. She said, “I had too much fun. The Africa of the other side connected deeply. They are still thanking me for bringing it home to them. I’m still emotional about the entire experience.”
She was accompanied by MTN Bushfire Director Jiggs Thorne, who was invited to deliver a presentation on sustainable festival practices. Thorne also shared the pictures and videos of Makhoyane’s performance on his social media and wrote, “A proud moment for all emaSwati! Thobile Makhoyane flys the flag at Colombia’s Petronio Álvarez festival. Performing with celebrated Colombian performers, this musical collaboration manifests the heritage that binds us. Thank you, Petronio!”
The Pacific Music Festival Petronio Álvarez partnered with MTN Bushfire to promote indigenous traditional music, arts, food, and beverages and facilitate sustainable cultural relations for this festival.
This partnership was initiated by the Petronio Álvarez festival and is supported by the Colombian Presidential Agency for International Cooperation (APC Colombia). This visit was framed within the South-South Cooperation initiative between Colombia and Eswatini, representing the festivals.
