MANZINI – Mpumalanga’s leading commercial radio station, RISE FM, is set to bring an electrifying cross-border entertainment experience to Eswatini as it hosts the highly anticipated RISE FM Eswatini Takeover at IF’S Lounge in Manzini on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The event, held in partnership with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, promises a vibrant fusion of music, culture, lifestyle and radio personalities loved across Mpumalanga and Eswatini. The activation comes ahead of the 19th edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival weekend celebrations.
The station’s newly appointed manager, Makhosi Khoza, confirmed the takeover and expressed excitement about strengthening entertainment ties between Mpumalanga and Eswatini. IF’S Lounge, located at Moneni’s Carson Building, will host the event, with entrance set at E80 while VIP reservations can be made through +268 7871 412.
Khoza revealed that award-winning South African R&B and neo-soul artist Afrotraction will headline the entertainment showcase. Born Mzwandile Moya in Mpumalanga, Afrotraction is expected to perform both at the Mpumalanga stand during the Bushfire Festival on May 30 and at IF’S Lounge during the takeover event.
“The Eswatini takeover itself promises a massive entertainment line-up led by award-winning South African R&B and neo-soul artist Afrotraction. We look forward to seeing you,” said Khoza.
The line-up will also feature popular RISE FM breakfast show host BigZillOnair from Good Morning Mpumalanga, alongside fan-favourite DJ and producer Nonto M, who hosts The Best Route afternoon drive show. Electrifying DJ Gratias Deo is also expected to keep the crowd entertained on the decks.
The event will be hosted by sports anchor and media personality GTZ, a familiar face among Eswatini audiences. Other entertainers expected to perform include ZEE THE DJ, MISTOSOUL, YAMKELA, OBSESSION, PARIS, ACOUSTIC SOUL, TAIIRO L and SKEEZY.
Beyond entertainment, May has also marked a significant month for RISE FM as the station prepares to host its first-ever Corporate Golf Day on Thursday, May 28. The event has already attracted strong interest from business circles, with companies expected to network and compete on the greens before the station shifts its focus to the Eswatini takeover.
Known as Mpumalanga’s only commercial radio station, RISE FM continues to strengthen its presence across the province through FM frequencies ranging from 89.0 MHz to 106.4 MHz, while also reaching international audiences through online streaming platforms and its mobile app.
Since Khoza’s appointment, the station has embraced a bold “disrupt and amplify” vision, taking radio beyond traditional studio spaces through unique broadcasts at locations such as the Mbombela Taxi Rank, Graskop Gorge, Secunda and Church on the Hill during Easter Sunday celebrations. The strategy aims to grow listenership, strengthen community engagement and expand revenue opportunities.
RISE FM has also intensified its focus on youth empowerment and talent development through its partnership with the Afrotraction Foundation. Together, they launched the Unsigned Vocalist Campaign for 2026, which offers unsigned artists an opportunity to record with Afrotraction while receiving mentorship, interviews, airplay and launch opportunities hosted at Gardens Mbombela.
The station’s regional relationships have also continued to flourish. Earlier this year, RISE FM collaborated with EBIS 1 & 2 during World Radio Day celebrations on February 13, strengthening ties between broadcasters in the region. Another collaboration is expected during this year’s Bushfire Festival celebrations.
As the station continues expanding its footprint beyond Mpumalanga, RISE FM remains committed to uniting communities through radio, entertainment and culture.
Based in Mbombela, formerly known as Nelspruit, RISE FM officially launched on March 3, 2014, following the acquisition and rebranding of MPowerFM by Times Media Group. Since then, the station has continued to connect, entertain and inform audiences through a dynamic mix of local languages, music and community-driven programming.
One thing remains clear, the RISE FM Eswatini Takeover is more than just an event. It is a celebration of music, culture, radio and regional unity.
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