BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – The success of the Makoti Festival has seen the festival branch into other countries, namely Mozambique, South Africa, and Lesotho, to launch as well as promote the brand.
The third edition of the Makoti Festival will be held on April 27 at the Malkerns Country Club.
On Friday, the Makoti Festival team launched in Maputo, Mozambique, and roped in artists from that country, namely Tchakaze and a dance group Tufo Mafalala. This was confirmed by the Festival Director, Thembinkosi Mthethwa. Two weeks ago they also launched in Mbombela, Mpumalanga province in South Africa.
The Lesotho artists who will be part of this year’s edition of the festival are Mavele & Tash, DJ Menkoko, DJ Tseko, and Sotho Kids.
On the list of confirmed artists for the third edition of the Makoti Festival are: South African Gospel artist Ntokozo Mbambo, Masibuyele KuJehova, Mthandeni SK, local Afro-singer artist Bholoja, M Nation, Passion Master, Mvelo, Thobile Makhoyane, and Lodanda Nemalangeni.
Last year, the second edition of the Makoti Festival was held on April 22 at the Malkerns Country Club and was attended by thousands of fun lovers. The festival was made possible by New Life Entertainment, in partnership with the Illa Penboy Foundation.
The purpose of the family-oriented festival is to promote Eswatini culture. It is a celebration of modern women, in particular married or unmarried, and young girls who aspire to be proud makotis in the near future. The festival provides fashion stalls, food stalls, and live performances. The festival is known for celebrating trendy fashion for young and old women from different backgrounds.
Last year’s festival was headlined by South African Sjava, who delivered an electric performance clad in Zulu regalia, true to the theme of the Makoti Festival. Other South African artists who performed included Maskandi legend Shwi, also known as Shwi Nomtekhala., and gospel artist Hlengiwe Mhlaba. SA vocalists Perddy Nkosi, Floewe, Mvelo, DJ Cup,DJ Master P, and DJ Zoe, among others, The MC for the event was Mzwakhe Tjovitjo Khumalo.
