MBABANE – The Hipnotik Festival is gearing up for what could be its biggest edition yet, with organisers expecting as many as 10 000 young people to gather for the annual celebration of music and culture in October.
Founder Sakhile Nkambule said the surge in interest is evident from early ticket sales, with fans from Eswatini, neighbouring countries, and beyond already securing their spots. The festival, scheduled for 4 October, will feature a VIP pre-party designed to connect artists, managers, and industry professionals from across the globe.
Nkambule said the festival has become a platform for international exposure, recalling how DJ Uncle Waffles built industry connections through Hipnotik before achieving global fame. He credited sponsors for supporting the recent media briefing at the South Africa Hip-Hop Museum and noted that this year’s programme includes competitions aimed at uncovering new talent, such as the E10 000 contest, which has already attracted over 5 000 entrants.
Adding to the country’s entertainment calendar, the Swazi Rally at Riders Ranch in Sidvokodvo will run from 29 to 31 August. Rally organiser Carlos Paiva said the event, now in its 32nd year, is expected to draw between 8 000 and 10 000 bikers. Festivities will include a motorbike giveaway worth E330 000, a youth prize draw, and a weekend of live entertainment that coincides with the Eswatini International Trade Fair and a dance event.
Paiva encouraged visitors to take advantage of the chance to explore Sibebe Rock — the world’s second-largest monolith — and enjoy a bottle of the local Sibebe beer at its summit.
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