By Ntombi Mhlongo
The past few months have witnessed an increase in the number of entertainment business establishments around the country.
In the hub of the country, Manzini, a new establishment known as IF’s Lounge has stood out and won the hearts of many who love to chill and have a good time.
Located behind the Moneni Total Filling Station opposite Living Waters, the establishment has already bought its ticket to the golden circle of the country’s fun industry as most people now flock there to have a good time.
This is even though the entity is less than six months old having been officially launched in November last year.
Those who love the good life and chilling in a comfortable place visit the establishment not only to enjoy the good food that is served but also to enjoy watching soccer matches on the big screen while relaxing in the lounge.
The place has ample space to host events of any kind including birthday parties, baby showers, anniversaries, staff parties, music shows and conferences.
What stands out, however, is how the place has become a platform for local artists and DJs to showcase their talent and earn a living. Almost every weekend since it opened, local DJs have been featured especially during the festive season.
In an interview with Manager Gugu, she mentioned that they were impressed with how people have supported the establishment since it was officially launched.
In her view, what makes the place stand out is the fact that its target market is different from other establishments.
“We are a mature chillout spot,” she says.
Explaining how the name came about she says I and F are abbreviations of the names of the two directors (Israel and Fiona). In the past, some good hangout spots have opened but eventually closed and according to Gugu, the management of IF’s will do all in its power to make sure that the establishment lasts.
“We are doing all that we can to maintain 100 per cent the standards of the place. We want to ensure quality service delivery more so from our dishes which is why we have qualified chefs. One of them is a specialist in Portuguese cuisine in Mozambique while the other is a local chef with vast experience in his field of responsibility,” Gugu says.
Having hosted good shows which attracted a proper crowd, the management wants to up its game this year.
Gugu says, “We shall be pushing a lot on the entertainment scene as we are aiming at intensifying the live shows. The plan is to accommodate the local artists more so that they can get to showcase their skills and also make a living. Ever since we started, we have lined up local artists on the weekly entertainment schedule and we want to do more”.
In jest, she states that they want IF’s Lounge to be the KONKA of Eswatini as they plan to introduce a televised feed of their weekend entertainment.
KONKA is known for being an establishment that offers luxury clubbing in Soweto, South Africa.
Established by young South African businessman Kutlwano Pitso in the heart of Soweto, KONKA is a place where one finds the rich and famous, influencers, socialites, politicians and anybody with a little bit extra to spend!
The place is described as an ‘experience’ and plays host to local entertainment personalities like Black Coffee, DBN Gogo, Cassper Nyovest and DJ Maphorisa. Many more artists and DJs have all been seen entertaining masses on the KONKA stage and some of the shows have been televised live.
