By Phumzile Ndlovu
MALKERNS – It’s safe to say that the Makoti Festival is the next biggest festival in Eswatini, as thousands descended to the Malkerns Country Club, yesterday to enjoy the fourth edition.
Numbers don’t lie, which proves how the festival has grown since its first inception in April 2022.
The weather proved favourable, which allowed the number of makotis who came out in fashionable outfits mostly sishweshe inspired and some with class of both modern traditional twist and African inspired designs.
The festival opened its gates at 11am and saw a few people but as after 2pm the numbers started improving.
It was also noted that there were quite a number of food and few corporate stalls inside the festival grounds as well as games for children. It was also noted that health emergency and free HIV testing stands were also available. Security was also taken care of as the private security as well as police inside the festival grounds.
The performances began just after 3pm with traditional dances by both Ingwenyama Cup Traditional dance winners Lutsango and Sibhaca winners,Macetjeni and Zulwini Sibhaca.
Followed by Eswatini Broadcasting Information Centre( EBIS) Lutsango and Eswatini Arts And Culture Lutsango.
The international culture traditional performances by Botswana’s Khumagadi and Moz Fire Sound.
Festival’s Director, Thembinkosi Mthethwa shared that the performances started late due to unforseen technical glitches.
Directed by the ever charming talented Mzwakhe Tjovitjo Khumalo and Siphesihle Nkwanyana. While the guests MC were Ligwalagalwa FM Host Buhle and Masco from Lesotho who all kept the energy going throughout the festival.
The performances were nothing short of energetic. Maskandi powerhouse Gatsheni proved to be crowds favourite with his performance.
Legendary Shongwe neKhuphuka opened his performance with their famous classic hit Konke Kuhamba kahle much to approval of the patrons.
The headliner, legendary Gospel artist Dr Rebecca Malope took the stage just before 8pm, dressed in a flowing gold and black dress gave a thrilling performance. She shared with the crowd how excited she was when she got the invite to perform at the festival.
“ When I got the invite to be part of this festival for bomakoti I was excited to get a chance to perform at such event.”
She also then spoke against the rise of Gender Based Violence in relationships. “ When your partner starts pushing you leave, because the next will be a slap then an exe and you will lose your life”. Symbolic she then sang the song that speaks against GBV titled Bengingazi.
National Arts and Culture Awards Hip Hop artist of the year Young Zesh also gave an electrifying performance which was enjoyed by the patrons.
As the night continued the performance by Award winning Mozambique Afro -beat dance queen Lizha James was also enjoyed by the crowd.
Phumla Music was the highlight of the night as she gave a thrilling performance with her hit track Sitofu lesishisako as promised at the Mbombela media activation where she was unveiled as the surprise addition last month.
The fourth edition performances full line up included South African Gospel legend Dr. Rebecca Malope, Mozambique’s queen of Afro-beat Lizha James, Maskandi powerhouse Khuzani “uGatsheni” Ndlovu Phumla Music,Khumagadi (Botswana) , Ntate Stunna (Lesotho), Gogo Mpila, King Kanga,Mshikishi, Young Zesh , the legendary gospel ensemble Shongwe Ne Khuphuka, and Siyinqaba
While DJs who graced the fourth edition include,
– Young Love
– DJ MBO
– Master P
– The Bishop
– Culolam
– Sbu The Drum DJ
– Nelson X
– Lady Zee
– UrcousinPhayo
– DJ Tseko (Lesotho)
– DJ Mekonko (Lesotho)
-DJ Supaman (Mozambique)
The Makoti Festival is designed to be a family-oriented event that promotes Eswatini culture. It celebrates modern women, including both married and unmarried individuals, as well as young girls aspiring to embrace their identity as makotis.
The fourth edition finished In the early hours of Sunday morning (27 April 2025.)
