Two stages, one festival. To celebrate its fifth edition, the Makoti Festival will, for the first time since its inception, introduce a second stage, an exciting new addition dubbed the Dance Stage.
This expansion marks a significant milestone for the festival, creating more space for talent, sound and cultural expression.
Set for 02 May 2026 at the picturesque Malkerns Country Club, this year’s edition promises an unforgettable cultural showcase, with over 40 acts expected to grace both stages. The Makoti Festival continues to position itself as a powerful platform for empowering local talent while celebrating and elevating Eswatini’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
The introduction of the Dance Stage reflects the festival’s growth and its commitment to promoting cultural exchange. The new stage will give talented DJs from South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini an opportunity to showcase their skills to a broader audience.
Festival organisers say the fifth edition is not just about entertainment, but about building bridges through music and culture.
Some of the DJs set to perform shared their excitement about being part of this historic edition.
Touch of Soul (Thabo Mnisi) expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“So yes, it’s my first time performing, and I’m humbled and excited, honestly. Attendees can expect what we call a Touch of Soul experience, good vibes and good music.”
He added that he is particularly looking forward to the performance by gospel star Nothando Hlophe and hearing other local and international acts.
“We will be introducing some new ‘Touch of Soul’ music we have been working on, so we’re looking forward to seeing how it’s received,” he said.
AyaCity (Ayanda Motsa) is also making his Makoti Festival debut.
“Yes, I’m making my debut this year and I’m obviously very excited and looking forward to the event. Fans can expect nothing but the best of my new music, including what I’m dropping with different South African heavyweights. Locally, I’d say I’m excited to see Nothando Hlophe and Young Zesh.”
Meanwhile, Bandora (Bandisi Dlamini) promised an energetic set.
“This is my first time playing at Makoti Festival. What I can assure my fans is that I’ll unleash my best R&B and hip-hop set on the day. They must just get their dancing shoes ready because they will dance their feet off.”
Bandora also shared his admiration for Nothando Hlophe, describing her as “Swati gold.”
“She unleashed a beast of an album that’s generational,” he said.
The fifth edition boasts an impressive DJ lineup featuring regional and international heavyweights such as:
They will be joined by a strong contingent of local DJs including Touch of Soul, AyaCity, Bandora, Culolami, Cybos, Tilungu, Sqitha, Fantacy, Gifted Kosie, ITSALLBLAQ, Nelson X, Ash, Baba, Loco, Zaimarn, Ace4nic, Dope Deep, DJ Cup, Chubby T, DJ Castle and Selby.
Beyond the decks, festival-goers can expect electrifying live performances from South African traditional folk singer and member of the Mahotella Queens, Ntunja, as well as Phindy Sifunda, popularly known as “The Real Queen,” from Uzalo.
Mozambique’s Liloca will bring her vibrant, genre-bending energy to the stage, while Eswatini’s own global gospel powerhouse Nothando Hlophe is expected to deliver a soul-stirring performance.
Other performing acts include Velemiseni, Feza (of Umanqondana fame), Sancheziey, Judah, Sarnilo, Young Zesh, Lyrikal Busta, True Classic, Stella Jacobs, Mco Jamrock and As4Jerry.
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