BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MALKERNS – The biggest edition to date!
It’s safe to say that the sixth edition of the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival was the biggest since its inception. Day two saw thousands descend at the luscious Malandelas lawn to enjoy the lifestyle festival, which was held from Friday until the early hours of yesterday (Sunday, August 4, 2024).
When speaking to the Standard Bank Chief Executive CE, Mvuselelo Fakudze, while the head of Government, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, was touring the different stalls at the festival, he shared with this publication that this was the biggest edition as yet, and they, as the host, were quite happy with the turnout as well as the success of the festival.
This year saw the introduction of Food and Fashion Indaba as well, which was the first, and it was a success. The fashion show by five local designers, namely Ntrentre Couture, SGONIAN REPUBLIK, SR, Sitfombo Atelier, Alvah, and Ruff Cut, showcased their work at the fashion show on the MasterCard Stage. The exceptional designs kept to this year’s theme, Roots” and the fashion, “African Futurism.”
What was noted was that the Stella Artois Beer Garden Stage on both days of the festival was dominated by local DJs; only one act was from South Africa. The SA act was vocalist and songwriter Kaylow Official. The Buzz Stage was also for local artists.
The patrons this year didn’t disappoint either, as they brought their best colourful designs.
Local artists who performed on day two gave a thrilling performance, namely, Nomalungelo Dladla, Cleopatra, Young Zesh, DJ MBO, and many more.
Day two performances kicked off as early as 10am. The main headliner was South African singer and rapper Sjava, born Jabulani Hadebe, who took over the stage at 10 p.m. True to his love of his craft; he performed for more than an hour. He left the stage at 11.20 pm. after a great performance of his hit tracks.
Right after him, local DJ MBO took over the main stage and saw the crowd dance throughout his set. When he played the last song, titled Kwamanzi nte, the crowd screamed and danced in excitement. Right after him, Iplan hit-maker Dlala Thukzin gave an amazing set that had fans screaming and dancing the night away. The last act on the main stage was local DJ Vxsin at 1am.
