BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE— The Mahamba Gorge Music Festival 2024 has added new South African actors and singers who will grace the first edition of the festival that will be held on April 26 to 28, 2024, in Mahamba, Shiselweni.
The SA actors from popular SABC soapy Uzalo are Sbu and Calvinator. The popular soapie airs every weekdays on SABC 1 at 8:30pm. The SA singers are Baba Wethu, Dust Durban Gcom, Emza, and Sbu Amalawyer.
The artists and actors join the multiple award-winning Blaq Diamond (stylized Blaq Diamond), a South African Afro-pop duo from Ladysmith KwaZulu-Natal, who will perform on April 27 (Saturday) of the festival. 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.
The three-day festival will also be spreading the word about Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which is now rife in the country. Other activities that will take place at the festival include a poetry session, camping, traditional dance, a fun day.
The festival will also see the addition of kid’s games on the second day (April 27). Access to the kiddie’s game is E100, which includes; a ferry wheel, electric swing, jumping castle, water slides, quad bikes, go-kart, a kids tattoo parlour, and a mascot.
It is worth mentioning that Fusion Pub & Grill has partnered with the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture and Mahamba Gorge Hiking Expedition aimed at establishing platforms for Shiselweni artists to showcase their creative works. This 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 hiking expedition.
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. Registration to participate in the hike is still open.
The full Mahamba Gorge Experience package is E350.00, sold at various outlets.
