BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– Award-winning South African gospel artist Ntokozo Mbambo has been confirmed for the third edition of the Makoti Festival.
The announcement was made today by Illa PenBoy, who is also one of the partners for the Makoti Festival. The festival will be held on April 27 at the Malkerns Country Club.
Mbambo, who is fresh from winning the Album of the Year Award in the South African Music Award (SAMA), is the first headliner who has been announced so far. More artists will be unveiled in the build-up to the festival by the organisers.
Festival Director Thembinkosi Mthetwa also confirmed the news of Mbambo performing at this year’s festival and that more artists will be unveiled in due course.
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.
About Ntokozo Mbambo
She is a former Joyous Celebration member, an award-winning South African well-known talented legendary gospel artist,songwriter,voice coach, and worship leader signed to Koko Records. She was born in Umlazi, KwaZulu Natal, 28 years ago. She joined the Joyous Celebration choir when she was 15 years old. She released her debut album in 2001, titled Bambelela. She is married to Nqubeko Mbatha.
