MBABANE – Eswatini’s soulful songbird Velemiseni Ndzimandze is gearing up for another major international career milestone as she prepares to take her distinctive African soul sound to Mozambique for the inaugural MOAFEST Divas.
The celebrated vocalist will represent Eswatini as the Kingdom’s only singer on the festival lineup, sharing the stage with an impressive collection of African and international stars, including legendary American R&B singer Karyn White, South African favourites Kelly Khumalo and Zahara, Mozambican powerhouse Lizha James, and other renowned performers.
Adding to Eswatini’s presence at the festival, DJ Cup, born Zama Welcome Maseko, will represent the Kingdom behind the decks on Saturday, making him the only Eswatini DJ featured at the event.
For Velemiseni, the MOAFEST invitation is more than just another booking, it is a powerful sign that her music is continuing to travel beyond Eswatini’s borders.
“Being selected as the only Swazi singer at MOAFEST was honestly a surprise, but such a career-affirming moment because I have never performed in Mozambique as a solo artist,” she said.
The performance comes almost a year after Velemiseni flew the Eswatini flag at the prestigious Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in South Africa, making September another memorable chapter in her musical journey.
“This time last year we were gearing up to perform at Joy of Jazz Festival. Now we are preparing for another major international festival, and I am excited to share our unique sound with our neighbours,” she said.
A GLOBAL STAGE FOR AFRICAN SOUL
Velemiseni says representing Eswatini at such a major platform fills her with immense pride, particularly at a time when African music continues to command attention around the world.
“It means a great deal to represent Eswatini on such a great platform. I feel that as an African artist, I am being raised to the global stage, and we are so ready.”
Her appearance alongside Karyn White is also a particularly special moment for the singer, who grew up listening to the American R&B icon.
“Karyn White is one of those musical icons whose music we enjoyed growing up. Her songs paint memories of my childhood, and she has contributed to my musical journey. It is really special to be called to share the stage with such amazing artists.”
NEW MUSIC ON THE MOAFEST STAGE
While audiences can expect the signature Velemiseni experience, soulful storytelling, groovy African rhythms and her trademark guitar-driven sound, the singer has promised an extra surprise.
She is set to debut a brand-new song during her MOAFEST performance.
“I am brewing some new music, and I cannot wait to debut one of those songs on the MOAFEST stage. It echoes the celebratory energy that we are welcoming this spring.”
Describing her upcoming set, she promised an energetic yet sultry experience designed to get the crowd moving.
“Our set will be a groovy African soul performance with unique sounds and a heavy guitar influence. The crowd can expect fun, sultry swaying energy.”
‘BRING THOSE SWAZI FLAGS!’
Velemiseni is also calling on emaSwati to make the trip across the border and show their support.
“Swazi supporters should definitely make the trip. The pride we witness when other nationalities come to Bushfire is so powerful that we must experience that too. We must see those Swazi flags in the crowd.”
For the singer, the consecutive international bookings are evidence that her career is moving in the direction she has always envisioned.
“These major bookings signify growth and elevation, exactly what we have been working towards.”
She is particularly proud to be sharing the journey with both established and emerging Swazi musicians.
“I am playing with a mix of young and senior Swazi musicians, and witnessing this growth together means the world to me. I am proud of what we have accomplished and grateful to emaSwati for the constant support.”
Beyond MOAFEST, Velemiseni has her sights firmly set on even bigger collaborations. South African powerhouse Kelly Khumalo sits high on her dream collaboration list, while she also hopes to work with Mozambican artists, explore other African languages and experiment with new genres and instruments.
Ultimately, Velemiseni wants her music to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
“Our music is about hope, love and growth. I want people to feel seen and understood. I also want them to remember the magic we witnessed as children and find a moment of escape and freedom.”
Tickets are available through Carrot Tickets.
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