MBABANE – South African DJ and Metro FM personality Lulo Cafe turned up the heat at 23:28 Lounge on Friday night, delivering a pulsating house music set that became one of the highlights of Thembinkosi Mthethwa’s Annual All Black Party.
Born Sikhululo Maliwa, the celebrated DJ headlined the much-anticipated birthday celebration, which attracted entertainment personalities, musicians, comedians, socialites and music lovers to the Mbabane-based entertainment hotspot.
Dressed to match the occasion, patrons embraced the all-black theme, transforming the venue into a stylish gathering of Eswatini’s entertainment fraternity.
The excitement intensified shortly after 10pm when Lulo Cafe took over the decks, treating revellers to his signature house music sounds. His performance brought regional star power to the event, keeping patrons entertained as they celebrated the birthday of Mthethwa, popularly known as Mr Party.
The South African entertainer’s appearance was among the major attractions of the night, adding to the growing profile of the annual celebration as a platform for bringing together local and regional entertainment talent.
However, the night was not solely about the headline act, as Eswatini’s own DJs and performers also played a significant role in delivering the entertainment programme.
The lineup featured DJs Cup, Tibza, Sibu Manzini, MBO, Grixxly, MixMash, Bisto and DJ Ricko, who kept the music flowing and ensured that local talent remained at the heart of the celebration.
Musician Young Zesh also added to the night’s entertainment, taking to the stage after Lulo Cafe’s headline performance.
The local contingent brought a distinctly Eswatini flavour to the event, showcasing the diversity of talent within the country’s entertainment industry while giving patrons a varied musical experience.
Beyond the performances, the celebration attracted several familiar faces from Eswatini’s creative and social circles.
Among those spotted at the event were musician Sarnilo, poet Christian Maz, comedian Cedric Simelane and former soccer player Taribo Bhembe.
Banele Dlamini, Secretary of the Eswatini Events Management and Promoters Association (EEMPA), was also in attendance, adding to the representation of the country’s organised events and promotions sector.
Their presence highlighted the party’s appeal beyond music, creating an opportunity for individuals from different creative disciplines to interact and celebrate together.
One of the night’s memorable moments came after Lulo Cafe’s performance when Mthethwa took the microphone to thank those who had supported his birthday celebration.
The 23:28 Lounge owner and CEO expressed his gratitude to everyone who had joined him for the occasion, giving special recognition to NewLife Entertainment for making the event possible.
He also acknowledged Lulo Cafe for accepting the invitation to headline the celebration, while thanking patrons for their continued support.
His message added a personal touch to the festivities, shifting attention from the music and fashion to the people whose presence contributed to the occasion’s success.
The event also attracted coverage from several local media houses, including Eswatini Positive News, Eswatini Independent News, Eswatini Times and Eswatini Observer.
Their attendance reflected the event’s visibility within the local entertainment landscape, ensuring that the performances and notable moments reached audiences beyond the venue.
For Mthethwa, the Annual All Black Party continues to combine his birthday celebrations with his passion for entertainment through 23:28 Lounge, a venue that brings together local performers and recognised regional acts.
By featuring Lulo Cafe alongside a strong contingent of local DJs and performers, this year’s edition highlighted the value of creating platforms where Eswatini’s entertainment fraternity can showcase its talent while sharing the stage with established regional names.
With its fashionable all-black theme, energetic performances and gathering of entertainment industry figures, the celebration reinforced 23:28 Lounge’s position as a destination for nightlife and entertainment in Mbabane.
As the music echoed through the venue, the message of the evening was clear: the Annual All Black Party was not only a birthday celebration for Mr Party, but also a gathering that brought Eswatini’s entertainment community together for a night of music, networking and celebration.
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