BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– Eswatini’s top local acts and DJs have been added to the line-up for Thembinkosi Mthethwa’s Annual All Black Party, transforming the much-loved birthday celebration into a major showcase of local talent alongside celebrated South African Metro FM star Lulo Cafe.
The annual event, set for Friday, October 9, 2026, at 23:28 Lounge in Mbabane, has unveiled a powerhouse supporting cast led by DJ Cup, MBO, Young Zesh, Grixxly, Sibu Manzini, Tibza, MixMash, Bisto and DJ Ricko, who will share the stage with the renowned deep house hitmaker.
The expanded local line-up adds fresh excitement to one of Eswatini’s biggest nightlife events, with organisers promising a night packed with deep house, Afro-house and crowd-favourite party anthems from start to finish. The theme is all black.
The much-loved celebration honours Thembinkosi Mthethwa, the lead actor of the hit Eswatini television drama Ekhaya and the Owner and CEO of the iconic 23:28 Lounge.
Although Mthethwa’s actual birthday falls on September 23, the celebration has evolved into an annual signature event held shortly afterwards, bringing together music lovers, celebrities and nightlife enthusiasts for a stylish night where guests are expected to dress entirely in black.
Leading this year’s celebrations is Lulo Cafe, born Sikhululo Maliwa, a renowned South African deep house DJ, music producer and media personality. He is a familiar voice on Metro FM, where he hosts Supreme Lounge every Sunday from 6pm, and has built a loyal following across Southern Africa through his soulful and Afro-house sound.
Doors open at 6pm, with entry costing E100 after 8pm. Partygoers looking to elevate the experience can reserve tables by calling 7927 0015.
For many local music lovers, however, the addition of Eswatini’s own DJs is expected to be one of the biggest highlights of the night. Veteran crowd favourite DJ Cup (Zama Welcome Maseko) headlines the local contingent alongside respected selectors Sibu Manzini and Tibza, while rising names including Young Zesh, Grixxly, MixMash, Bisto, DJ Ricko and MBO complete a diverse line-up that reflects the strength of the country’s growing DJ scene.
The Annual All Black Party has grown into one of 23:28 Lounge’s flagship events, with each edition attracting larger crowds and bigger names.
Last year’s celebration saw the lounge transformed into a sea of black as guests turned out in elegant fashion to celebrate Mthethwa’s birthday in style. The atmosphere was packed with live entertainment, top DJs and a vibrant nightlife experience that reinforced the venue’s reputation as one of Mbabane’s premier entertainment destinations.
The tradition has become more than just a birthday party – it has evolved into an annual gathering celebrating entertainment, fashion and the growth of Eswatini’s creative industry.
Over the years, Mthethwa has successfully balanced his acting career with entrepreneurship, transforming 23:28 Lounge into one of Eswatini’s most sought-after entertainment venues. Beyond starring as the lead actor in Ekhaya, he has also become one of the country’s leading entertainment promoters through NewLife Entertainment, consistently bringing regional talent to local audiences.
With Lulo Cafe leading the bill and an all-star cast of Eswatini DJs now completing the line-up, expectations are high that this year’s Annual All Black Party will deliver another memorable night of premium house music, stylish fashion and the electric atmosphere that has become synonymous with one of the kingdom’s biggest annual entertainment celebrations
(Courtesy Pic)
