MALKERNS – Music lovers and food enthusiasts are in for an unforgettable experience as the highly anticipated Kota Festival makes its debut in the Kingdom of Eswatini on 24 October 2026, with South African music heavyweights Ringo Madlingozi and Emtee confirmed as the first headline acts.
Set to take place at the picturesque Malkerns Country Club from 10am to 10pm, the festival promises to combine live entertainment with one of Southern Africa’s most-loved street foods, the kota, creating what organisers describe as the biggest kota experience ever hosted in Eswatini.
Legendary Afro-soul singer Ringo Madlingozi, celebrated for timeless hits and his soulful performances, will share the stage with award-winning rapper Emtee, whose chart-topping songs have earned him a loyal following across the continent. Their inclusion signals the organisers’ ambition to deliver a world-class entertainment experience.
Early bird tickets are already on sale through Computicket outlets in Shoprite stores and online. Prices start from E80 for children, E100 for students and E150 for general adult admission, while family packages are available from E200. A VIP experience, priced at E800, includes secured parking, seating and a complimentary kota. Parking will cost E50.
The event will operate as a cashless festival, with patrons encouraged to bring their bank cards for all purchases. While camp chairs and empty cooler boxes will be permitted, outside food, drinks, water and snacks will not be allowed. Organisers have also announced that a beverage pre-order system will open on 20 September.
Adding to the excitement is the festival’s dress code, with attendees encouraged to embrace an all-white outfit with a touch of yellow, creating a vibrant and unified atmosphere throughout the day.
The festival is also creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Kota vendors are invited to apply for trading spaces, with participants standing a chance to win a share of R10,000 in prize money.
Hosted by GoldEx Events and supported by Nyama Choma Spices, the inaugural Eswatini Kota Festival is expected to attract food lovers and music fans from across the region, making it one of the country’s most anticipated lifestyle events of 2026. Organisers have hinted that more artist announcements will follow in the coming weeks.
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