MBABANE – Eswatini’s house music movement continues to reach new heights after Tribal Natives became the second act from the Kingdom to secure a spot on the lineup for Kings of House 2026, reinforcing the country’s growing influence on the regional electronic dance music scene.
The duo joins award-winning house music star DJ Cup, who was announced earlier, making Eswatini one of the few countries with multiple representatives at the prestigious festival set for Saturday, July 11, at Complexo Coconuts in Maputo, Mozambique.
Their inclusion is another major milestone for the country’s electronic music industry, which has continued to produce DJs and producers capable of sharing stages with some of Africa’s and the world’s leading house music acts.
Made up of Simphiwe Karen Ashley Dlamini (DJ Ash) and Nelson Xolani Mbingo (NelsonX), Tribal Natives officially launched their brand during the MTN Bushfire Festival last year. In a relatively short period, they have established themselves as one of Eswatini’s most exciting house music duos.
Their growing catalogue of performances includes appearances at the MoMo Xperience, weAfro, Eswatini Farmers Market, Sound System, Futopia Festival in Zanzibar, as well as their own flagship event.
Speaking ahead of their performance in Mozambique, the duo said the opportunity was both exciting and meaningful.
“We’re truly thrilled to be performing at Kings of House and honoured to be selected among this year’s Kings of House DJs. It’s an incredible opportunity to represent Eswatini and share our sound with a wider African audience.”
They added that the name Tribal Natives reflects a movement that celebrates African identity through music.
“The name Tribal Natives was born out of a cultural revolution sweeping across Africa, a reclamation of identity, sound and heritage. It’s a call for people to embrace where they come from while celebrating the richness of African culture through music.”
Meanwhile, DJ Cup said sharing the stage with another Swati act demonstrates the progress Eswatini’s house music scene has made.
“It’s an honour to represent Eswatini at Kings of House 2026. Sharing the lineup with incredible international artists and fellow Swati talents like Tribal Natives shows that our music is reaching new heights. We are ready to showcase the quality of house music coming out of the Kingdom.”
Kings of House 2026 will feature more than 30 artists from Brazil, Spain, South Africa, Mozambique and Eswatini, with internationally renowned names including Fatsync, Viot, Lexlay, Hypa Phonic and Pando G.
As Tribal Natives and DJ Cup prepare to take the stage in Maputo this weekend, their participation highlights Eswatini’s growing reputation as a producer of world-class house music talent capable of competing on some of Africa’s biggest festival stages.
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