Manzini – Music fans were left disappointed after three of the highly anticipated acts, Big Zulu, Kwesta, and Lwah Ndlunkulu, failed to perform at the Umuthi Fest, which took place over the weekend at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre.
The festival, which featured a star-studded line-up of both local and regional talent, drew a massive crowd eager to experience live performances from some of Southern Africa’s biggest names. However, the absence of the three major artists sparked frustration and mixed reactions from attendees.
Several fans expressed their disappointment, saying they had purchased tickets mainly to see the three stars perform. Despite this, many still praised the festival’s overall execution and how the other artists got to keep the crowd on toes.
Festival organiser Zulu D confirmed that unforeseen circumstances had led to the last-minute changes in the line-up.
“We sincerely apologise to all attendees for the inconvenience. Big Zulu had transportation challenges that caused him to miss his flight to Eswatini,” said Zulu D.
He further explained that Kwesta’s management team faced communication difficulties prior to the event, which resulted in his absence. As for Lwah Ndlunkhulu, organisers said the artist could not make it due to personal commitments that clashed with the festival schedule.
Despite the setbacks, the Umuthi Fest still delivered high-energy performances from several regional acts, leaving fans hopeful for a stronger line-up in next year’s edition.
“We are already working on ensuring that next year’s Umuthi Fest runs even smoother and that all announced artists make it to the stage,” Zulu D assured.
The festival remains one of Eswatini’s growing music highlights, celebrating culture, art, and entertainment even amid challenges.
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