BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– Eswatini’s music industry is set for another proud international moment as celebrated vocalist Velemiseni Ndzimandze and acclaimed DJ Cup, born Zama Welcome Maseko, are set to be officially unveiled today as the Kingdom’s representatives for the prestigious MOAFEST – Festival Internacional de Carne Caprina, taking place in Mozambique on 11 September 2026.
The exciting announcement was made today (03 August 2026) during a press conference hosted by NewLife Entertainment at the iconic 23:28 Lounge in Mbabane, where organisers unveiled a landmark partnership between Eswatini and Mozambique.
The festival will be headlined by legendary American R&B superstar Karyn White, whose chart-topping classic “Superwoman” made her one of the most celebrated voices of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Her appearance is expected to draw thousands of music lovers from across Southern Africa.
Another major highlight of today’s event will be the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NewLife Entertainment and the organisers of MOAFEST.
The agreement is expected to strengthen cultural exchange, promote artist mobility and create opportunities for musicians from both countries to perform on international stages while fostering long-term collaboration between the two entertainment industries.
Representing Eswatini’s vibrant live music scene is Velemiseni Ndzimandze, one of the Kingdom’s most respected vocalists. Known for her powerful stage presence and soulful voice, she has built a reputation for blending Afro-soul, jazz and traditional Swati musical influences into a unique sound that celebrates African identity and culture.
Her career reached another significant milestone when she performed at the internationally acclaimed Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival in Johannesburg last year, sharing the stage with some of the continent’s finest musicians. The performance further established her as one of Eswatini’s leading female artists and showcased her ability to compete on some of Africa’s biggest stages.
Joining her on the international lineup is DJ Cup, born Zama Welcome Maseko, one of Eswatini’s most accomplished DJs and music producers. Renowned for his high-energy sets and seamless fusion of Afro-house, Afro-tech and commercial dance music, DJ Cup has steadily built a strong following both at home and beyond the country’s borders.
He recently impressed audiences in Mozambique after performing at the prestigious King of House event, further cementing his reputation as one of Eswatini’s leading DJs. His inclusion in MOAFEST reflects the growing recognition of Eswatini’s electronic music talent on the regional stage.
The participation of Velemiseni Ndzimandze and DJ Cup means Eswatini will have two outstanding ambassadors representing the country’s diverse music industry at this year’s festival, showcasing both live musical excellence and world-class DJ talent.
Speaking ahead of today’s announcement, NewLife Entertainment Director Isidoro Pinto expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to become part of one of Mozambique’s biggest cultural festivals.
“We are truly honoured and grateful to be welcomed into the MOAFEST family. This partnership is a significant milestone for NewLife Entertainment and for Eswatini’s entertainment industry as a whole. It reflects the confidence our regional partners have in the work we continue to do in promoting arts and culture,” said Pinto.
He said NewLife Entertainment has always believed that Eswatini is home to exceptional talent capable of competing on the international stage.
“I have always believed in local talent. Our artists deserve opportunities that extend beyond our borders, and today we are proud to see Velemiseni and DJ Cup representing Eswatini at such a prestigious international festival. This is proof that when we invest in our creatives and build meaningful partnerships, incredible opportunities follow,” he said.
Pinto also highlighted that the partnership comes at a time when he continues to gain recognition within the regional creative industry. He was recently invited as a speaker at the Art Summit in Mozambique, where he shared insights on festival development, the creative economy and the importance of strengthening collaboration between African creatives.
He said the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the MOAFEST organisers marks the beginning of what he hopes will become a long-term relationship that will create more opportunities for artists, cultural practitioners and the broader creative economy in both Eswatini and Mozambique.Tickets will be available for Emaswati via CARROT TICKETS.
(Courtesy Pic)
