MALKERNS– The Eswatini Farmers Market 2026 is steadily shaping up into one of the country’s biggest lifestyle and entertainment gatherings, with organisers adding more homegrown and regional talent to an already impressive line-up.
Award-winning Eswatini DJ and producer DJ Cup, born Welcome Zama Maseko, and singer Sibu Manzini have been confirmed as the latest additions to the festival, joining Eswatini-born South African sensation Zee Nxumalo and South African house heavyweight Oscar Mbo.
The festival is scheduled for 10 October 2026 at Malkerns Country Club, where music, food, culture and lifestyle entertainment will converge for the fifth edition of the Eswatini Farmers Market.
Farmers Market Director Mbekezile “Culolam” Dlamini has continued to build momentum around the event, with other previously announced performers including Jazzwrld & Thukuthela, Argento Dust and Jnr_SA.
Zee Nxumalo, born Zandile Nxumalo, was announced as the festival’s first headliner on 28 July 2026.
The rising star has quickly made a name for herself on the South African music scene with her distinctive vocals, energetic performances and Amapiano-influenced sound. Her growing catalogue and collaborations have also helped her establish a strong following across the region.
Her inclusion is expected to be one of the major attractions of this year’s festival, particularly as Farmers Market continues to expand its entertainment offering.
DJ Cup brings regional experience
For local house music lovers, the addition of DJ Cup adds a different dimension to the festival’s musical offering.
Born Welcome Zama Maseko, DJ Cup has spent more than a decade building his career behind the decks, developing a sound influenced by Deep House, Afro House and Tech House.
His career has taken him beyond Eswatini, with performances in South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and Lesotho, establishing him as one of the country’s DJs with significant regional experience.
His contribution to the local music industry has also earned him recognition at the MTN SWAMA Awards, where he won Best House Song in 2020 and Best Collaboration in 2021.
Beyond performing, DJ Cup has built a reputation as a producer, podcast curator and entertainment executive.
He currently serves as Operations Director at NewLife Entertainment, where his responsibilities include artist bookings, event management, sound hire, studio recording and supporting the development of emerging talent.
Through his work behind the scenes, he has become part of the growing network of industry professionals working to strengthen and professionalise Eswatini’s creative sector.
His international credentials were further highlighted in July 2026, when he represented Eswatini at the Kings of House 20.26 showcase in Maputo, Mozambique.
The showcase brought together house music talent from different parts of the world, giving DJ Cup an opportunity to share the stage with artists from countries including Brazil, Spain, South Africa and Mozambique.
The performance added to his growing profile as one of Eswatini’s house music exports and demonstrated the ability of local DJs to compete on regional and international platforms.
DJ Cup has also remained active in the studio, releasing music and collaborating with local vocalists and fellow producers.
Farmers Market bets on local and regional talent
With the latest additions, Farmers Market 2026 is positioning itself around a mix of established regional acts and homegrown performers.
The combination of Zee Nxumalo, Oscar Mbo, DJ Cup, Sibu Manzini, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela, Argento Dust and Jnr_SA gives the festival a diverse musical identity while keeping Eswatini talent at the centre of the experience.
The event is expected to attract music and lifestyle enthusiasts from across Eswatini and neighbouring South Africa, with the organisers promising more than just live entertainment.
As the countdown to October continues, the growing line-up suggests that this year’s Farmers Market is aiming to become more than a day out – it is shaping up as a major platform for music, culture, food and the region’s creative economy.
Tickets are currently available through Carrot Tickets, priced at E300 for General Admission, E120 for children and E750 for VIP.
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