BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
SIDVOKODVO- South African rap sensation Tony Dayimane is set to steal the spotlight at the much-anticipated Hipnotik Music Festival, marking an exhilarating comeback for Eswatini’s biggest hip hop celebration, scheduled for October 4 – 5, 2025, at Rider Ranch, Sidvokodvo.
This festival returns after a seven-year hiatus, promising to reignite the country’s creative spirit and youth culture with an electrifying lineup and a renewed mission
Tony Dayimane, whose real name is Sbongakonke Mfundo Mchunu, is a multi-platinum selling artist, songwriter, and performer. Born in Durban’s Umlazi but spending his teenage years in Pietermaritzburg due to a cricket scholarship, Dayimane started recording at the age of 15, drawing inspiration from artists like Okmalumkoolkat, Sjava, and Young Thug’s “Beautiful Thugger Girls” mixtape. He quickly built a fanbase in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, establishing himself as one of the country’s top creatives, with his artistry celebrated beyond South Africa’s borders. Described as an astonishing musician and songwriter, Tony is recognized as a real trapstar or “gutter baby,” known for his superb pen game and cadence across multiple genres and languages. His ear-splitting voice and catchy hooks, showcased in songs like “Lonke” and “Gemelli,” demonstrate his versatility and position him as one of the next Alphas of Mzansi, potentially part of the Big 3.
The Festival director and founder Sakhile Nkambule expressed his excitement and vision for Hipnotik’s return. “We’re incredibly excited. The return of Hipnotik isn’t just nostalgic; it’s strategic,” he declared. Nkambule highlighted the festival’s role as a vital platform for local creatives, entrepreneurs, and service providers, calling it “a proven youth-led economic vehicle” that extends far beyond entertainment.
The seven-year pause allowed the organizers to reflect on the evolving needs of the creative community and the broader market. Nkambule acknowledged the negative impact the festival’s absence had on Eswatini’s entertainment ecosystem. “We’ve seen what the absence of Hipnotik did to the local entertainment scene. Now, we’re here to restore that pulse and take it further,” he explained. While attendees can expect an immersive and fun experience, Nkambule emphasized that empowerment is the ultimate goal: “It’s business time now; fun is the by-product, but empowerment is the product.”
Founded on the belief that Eswatini’s youth possess immense talent and ambition, Hipnotik aims to provide the platforms, business skills, and networks necessary for young people to thrive. “Talent alone is insufficient; it requires platforms, business knowledge, networks, and brand equity. Hipnotik is that convergence point,” Nkambule noted.
Looking ahead, Nkambule envisions Hipnotik as a premier youth development platform anchored in entertainment. He sees it as a catalyst for job creation, small and medium enterprise (SME) development, digital storytelling, and brand partnerships. “This event is a catalyst for job creation, for SME development, for digital storytelling, for brand partnerships,” he said.
With Tony Dayimane lighting up the stage, the Hipnotik Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration that not only entertains but also empowers the next generation of creatives in Eswatini. Get ready for a cultural phenomenon to come alive!
(Courtesy Pic)
