Dreaming big is never a problem, especially when faith and instinct inspire you to pursue your vision. For me, the perfect phrase to describe the weekend of my uMntfwana weLive Listening Session is simple: “I Saw God.”
What began as a dream quickly became a reality through perfect timing and collaboration. A WhatsApp call to Kusile Kwetfu Cultural Celebration Director, Thandi Dlamini, about my desire to host my album Listening Session in Mbombela came at exactly the right moment. Unknown to me, she was already planning the official launch and media briefing for the second edition of the Kusile Kwetfu Cultural Celebration. The conversation naturally evolved into a partnership that benefited both initiatives.
Held at The Garden in Mbombela on 25 July, the event successfully introduced the Kusile Kwetfu Cultural Celebration while showcasing what emaSwati have planned for Mpumalanga Province in 2026. It served as a platform to promote Eswatini’s rich cultural identity through music, fashion and creative expression.
The occasion attracted distinguished guests from the media and arts sectors, including Rise FM Station Manager Makhosi Khoza, Mpumalanga TV, Mbombela Arts and Culture International Relations representative Olga Mhlongo, Barberton Community Radio, Ligwalagwala FM, Lokuhle Radio and supporters of Salukazana. Around 35 guests attended the programme, which was directed by poet and imbongi ImbongiMate.
United by the vision of flying the Eswatini flag high on the international stage, the event also featured celebrated Eswatini comedy duo Gogo Eswatini and Slwane, alongside Slim B and fashion designer Sgonia, further highlighting the country’s creative excellence.
The Kusile Kwetfu Cultural Celebration is scheduled to take place in Mbombela on 26 September 2026. The festival will be headlined by Eswatini music stars Sancheziey, Bholoja, Cy Ndukwemnyama, Mabhodweni and several other artists. The event aims to celebrate African culture and heritage through music, fashion and cuisine while strengthening cultural ties between Eswatini and South Africa.
A major highlight of the day was Sancheziey’s uMntfwana weLive Listening Session. Fans, media representatives and industry stakeholders were given an exclusive preview of the 10-track album, which is set for official release on 5 August 2026. The project offers listeners a musical journey deeply rooted in Eswatini’s culture, identity and storytelling.
The successful programme concluded with a live interview on Rise FM, where Sancheziey shared insights into the Listening Session, the upcoming album and the vision behind the Kusile Kwetfu Cultural Celebration, allowing listeners who were unable to attend to experience the excitement surrounding the event.
The celebrations continued afterwards when Phakama Festival Director Twain Ngwenya hosted the visiting emaSwati, including Sancheziey, Gogo Eswatini, Slwane, the Kusile Kwetfu Cultural Celebration team and Sancheziey’s crew, at a family braai. The gathering created valuable networking opportunities, strengthened relationships and laid the foundation for future collaborations between creatives from Eswatini and South Africa.
Reflecting on the weekend, Sancheziey expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who attended the event, supported the initiative online and contributed to its success.
“As we prepare for the official uMntfwana weLive Listening Session in Eswatini on 5 August, I would like to thank everyone who believed in this vision. This weekend reminded me that with faith, determination and the right people around you, dreams do come true. EmaSwati should brace themselves for an unforgettable experience.”
The Mbombela event marked more than just an album preview—it demonstrated the growing influence of Eswatini’s creative industry beyond its borders and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sharing its culture with the world.
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