MALKERNS – Cowboy hats, boots, stylish outfits and electrifying music took centre stage as the fifth edition of the Eswatini Farmers Market delivered a memorable lifestyle experience at Malkerns Country Club on Saturday.
Held on October 10, 2026, the festival brought together music lovers, fashion enthusiasts, families and entertainment industry players for a celebration that combined music, food, fashion, culture and social experiences.
One of the biggest highlights was how attendees embraced the theme, “Look Like a Cowboy.” Festivalgoers understood the assignment, arriving in creative Western-inspired outfits that transformed the venue into a showcase of fashion and individuality.
From cowboy hats and boots to carefully coordinated ensembles, attendees demonstrated that the dress code was more than just a suggestion. Their efforts added colour and character to the gathering, making fashion an important part of the overall experience.
The commitment to the theme also created opportunities for photographs and social media moments, with guests proudly displaying their looks while enjoying the festival atmosphere.
However, beyond the fashion statements, the music was a major attraction, with an impressive line-up featuring regional heavyweights Oscar Mbo, Zee Nxumalo, JNR SA and Royal Musiq.
Oscar Mbo, Zee Nxumalo Deliver
South African house music heavyweight Oscar Mbo was among the major attractions of the festival, bringing his signature sound to music lovers who gathered at Malkerns Country Club.
Known for his contribution to the house music scene, Oscar Mbo’s inclusion added significant regional star power to the event. His appearance strengthened the festival’s appeal to house music enthusiasts and reinforced its ability to attract established performers from South Africa.
Eswatini-born South African music sensation Zee Nxumalo was another major attraction.
Born Zandile Nxumalo, the singer has steadily established herself as one of the exciting names in South African music, gaining recognition for her distinctive vocals, energetic performances and Amapiano-influenced sound.
Her appearance carried particular significance for local music lovers, as the festival welcomed an artist with Eswatini roots who continues to make strides in the neighbouring country’s competitive music industry.
The inclusion of both performers gave attendees an opportunity to experience two prominent regional acts at a festival that continues to grow its entertainment offering.
JNR SA, Royal Musiq add regional flavour
The festival’s musical experience was further enriched by regional acts JNR SA and Royal Musiq, who joined the star-studded programme.
Their inclusion contributed to the diversity of the line-up, offering attendees more opportunities to enjoy different sounds throughout the festival.
With Oscar Mbo and Royal Musiq representing the house music offering, alongside JNR SA and Zee Nxumalo, the programme catered to a broad audience of music lovers.
The combination of established performers and other regional acts demonstrated the festival’s continued focus on bringing entertainment from across the region to Eswatini.
Meanwhile, the event also provided a platform for local talent, ensuring that the country’s creative industry remained part of the wider entertainment experience.
Away from the stage, the Eswatini Farmers Market maintained its lifestyle appeal through an assortment of food and drinks stalls, vendors and family-friendly activities.
The Kids Zone provided entertainment for younger attendees, while the variety of stalls gave festivalgoers opportunities to explore different products and refreshments throughout the day.
The diverse offering made the event suitable for different audiences, including families looking for a day out, friends seeking a social experience and music enthusiasts drawn by the performers.
The presence of vendors also highlighted the commercial opportunities associated with lifestyle events, which bring businesses into direct contact with large audiences in a lively setting.
Under the leadership of Farmers Market Director Mbekezile “Culolam” Dlamini, the event has continued to build anticipation through its growing entertainment line-up and broader lifestyle offering.
The fifth edition demonstrated how fashion, music, food and family entertainment can come together to create an experience that extends beyond a conventional music concert.
Ultimately, the 2026 Eswatini Farmers Market gave attendees an opportunity to express themselves through fashion, enjoy regional music and socialise in a vibrant setting.
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