BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – The Fusion Pub n Grill has come on board as one of the sponsors for the Mahamba Gorge Music Festival 2024.
Early this week, the establishment based in Nhlangano announced that they will sponsor a South African duo, Blaq Diamond, who will perform at the Mahamba Gorge Music Festival 2024.
The first edition of the Mahamba Gorge Music Festival is to be held on April 26–28, 2024, in Mahamba, Shiselweni.
This was confirmed by the owner of the establishment, Dennis DeBruyn of Fusion Pub n Grill, who also shared with this publication that he will be the music director on the day.
The multiple award-winning Blaq Diamond (stylized BlaQ Diamond), a South African Afro-pop duo from Ladysmith KwaZulu-Natal, will perform on April 27 (Saturday) of the festival.
Some of their hit tracks include Summer Yomuthi, Memeza, and Ibhanoyi, and they feature various artists, including Sjava, Big Zulu, Dumi Mkokstad, and Igcokama Elisha.
The SA music duo will be sharing the stage with Eswatini’s greatest artists, including Sands, Young Zesh, Mshikishi, Iya, Dusty and Stones, Dumako Brothers, Omahlalela, Bhubesi, Siphiwo Short, and many others.
Fusion Pub n Grill has found it prudent to support the initiative by the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture, aimed at establishing platforms for Shiselweni artists to showcase their creative works.
“The Pub n Grill saw an opportunity to support this home-grown music festival, which is a first for the region. Fusion Pub n Grill is thrilled to bring live music into the region through the Mahamba Gorge Music Festival. The festival, in collaboration with the Mahamba Gorge Hiking Event, is going to be a fun weekend and will be great to see people experiencing the best of Shiselweni,” said DeBruyn.
According to DeBruyn Fusion Pub n Grill, it is well known, not only for good music but also for bringing international artists to the southern part of Eswatini, keeping everyone entertained. It has played host to big names such as Lwa Ndlukhulu, DJ Tira, Duncan and Zakwe, Lindogh, and 2 Short, who are well known as the 2pac of South Africa, among many others. Not only bringing international acts, the venue has groomed local Shiselweni region upcoming stars, from dance groups, DJs, and super stars, as it will continue without fail to give stage to Shiselweni stars and groups. Fusion Pub and Grill is all about supporting the creatives and their works.
Supporting the recently launched Mahamba Gorge Music Festival is part of community development, creating more opportunities for local businesses and young people in the region. The music festival will help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Mahamba Gorge.
The festival will have comedy, fashion, and DJs on Friday, and live shows on Saturday and Sunday. The hiking experience is scheduled for Sunday morning with live Gospel music and live Jazz performances. The full Mahamba Gorge Experience package is E350.00, sold at various outlets.
