By Siphesihle Dlamini
One thing clear is that emaSwati love their own and stand unwaveringly supporting local talent.
This sentiment echoed throughout the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) Official Opening, a vibrant celebration that brought together hundreds of attendees, all eager to witness a spectacular showcase of local and international artistry.
The event was graced by the presence of His Majesty King Mswati III, who officially commissioned the fair. Despite the chill in the air, the crowd’s spirit was warm and electric. Eager fans braved the cold weather, filling the venue with their enthusiastic energy, ready to enjoy an evening packed with performances from a diverse lineup of artists.
The stage was set for Eswatini’s very own sensation, Young Zesh, who took the audience by storm with his high-octane performance. Known for his infectious energy and crowd engagement, Young Zesh delivered a powerful rendition of his hit song ‘Liphasela,’ which sent waves of excitement through the crowd.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch as fans rushed forward to join him on stage, creating an exhilarating moment that nearly resulted in a stampede. His performance of ‘Sivumeleni’ resonated deeply as it celebrated the unity of the Swati and Zulu tribes, a theme that struck a chord with many in attendance. The highlight of his set was undoubtedly ‘KaKhoza,’ with the audience singing along word for word, showcasing the deep connection they share with his music.
Adding to the musical diversity was South African maskandi sensation, uGatsheni, who captivated the crowd with his soulful melodies. His performance included the thought-provoking song ‘Emendweni,’ which speaks to the importance of respect within marriage. However, it was his infectious anthem ‘Hit After Hits’ that truly ignited the crowd. EmaSwati sang along at the top of their lungs, mimicking the dance moves and joyfully exclaiming, “Ibambe phansi!” as the rhythm took hold of their spirits.
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The legendary DJ MBO was also in the mix, spinning tracks that had the audience dancing despite the biting cold. His expertly curated set created a warm, inviting atmosphere, ensuring that the energy remained high throughout the event. The program was expertly handled by the dynamic duo of comedian Mduduzi ‘Mdura’ Dlamini and Missy Unique, who brought a lively and engaging presence to the stage. Their charisma kept the program flowing seamlessly, making the event even more enjoyable for attendees.
In a delightful display of cultural heritage, a troupe of dancers entertained His Majesty with traditional performances that paid homage to Eswatini’s rich cultural roots. This cultural interlude added an authentic touch to the evening, reminding everyone present of the significance of their heritage.
No celebration of Eswatini’s music scene would be complete without a performance from global gospel superstar and local hero Sipho Makhabane.
He took to the stage with his powerful presence, performing beloved tracks such as ‘Thul’moya’ and ‘Indonga.’ The crowd was enraptured, singing along to every note, especially during the uplifting ‘The Devil Is a Liar,’ which had attendees harmonizing beautifully, their voices rising in unity and joy.
Beyond the musical performances, the Fun Fair arena offered attendees a variety of exciting activities that added to the festive atmosphere. From thrilling zipline rides and quad biking to horse riding and face painting, families and friends enjoyed a range of fun fair games, creating lasting memories and laughter.
The Eswatini International Trade Fair’s Official Opening was not merely an event; it was a celebration of culture, talent, and community spirit. The palpable love for local artistry and the unwavering support for emaSwati talents were evident throughout the evening, making it a day to remember.
Big Zulu’s last-minute no-show at the EITF
It was a disappointing sight for fans who eagerly anticipated renowned South African rapper Big Zulu’s performance.
The ‘Umuzi eSandton’ hitmaker did not take the stage at the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) official opening as planned. The highly anticipated appearance of the popular artist was met with confusion and frustration, as attendees had gathered with excitement to witness his performance.
According to an impeccable source close to the situation, Big Zulu arrived at the Mavuso Trade Centre only to find that the stage setup was not complete, leaving him unable to perform. The source disclosed that the rapper was in a rush to catch a return flight, having booked it in advance to ensure he could fulfil other commitments.
“He was supposed to perform and leave early,” the source explained, shedding light on the circumstances that led to his absence from the stage.
The excitement surrounding Big Zulu’s performance had been palpable leading up to the event, with many fans expressing their anticipation on social media. On the Saturday before the trade fair, EITF even posted a video of Big Zulu upon his arrival at King Mswati III International Airport, further heightening expectations for his scheduled appearance.
However, the reality of the situation came as a letdown to those who had hoped to see him perform live. As the festivities unfolded without Big Zulu, many attendees voiced their disappointment, questioning the organization and logistics surrounding the event. This publication’s attempts to reach EIPA’s Senior Marketing Manager, Mangaliso Mkhatshwa for comment on the matter were unsuccessful.
His phone rang unanswered, and a questionnaire sent regarding the incident did not receive a response.
EIPA responds to ACAESWA’s concerns over low local gospel artist representation at the EITF
A developing story surrounding the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF), reveals that the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) has found itself in a heated exchange with the Association of Christian Artists of Eswatini (ACAESWA) regarding the representation of local gospel artists in this year’s lineup.
The controversy arose after ACAESWA expressed disappointment over EIPA’s decision to feature foreign artists during Gospel Sundays, which they believe undermines the local arts industry. ACAESWA’s statement, issued earlier this week, emphasized the need for local representation in a platform that should celebrate Eswatini’s rich musical heritage.
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“We acknowledge the importance of cultural exchange, but we believe that the EIPA’s decision fails to adequately represent and support the Eswatini arts industry,” the organization lamented, highlighting the emotional toll of seeing local talents overshadowed by their international counterparts.
Notably, The EITF Gospel Sundays have confirmed 3 South African acts namely, Mpumi Mtsweni, Mmatema, and Worship House while they have only confirmed two local acts namely, the South African-based Sipho Makhabane and Phathwakahle. In a bid to clarify their position, EIPA management released a formal response, expressing regret at ACAESWA’s lack of direct inquiry regarding the full EITF music lineup.
They emphasized the importance of patience and understanding as they finalize the artist roster, stating, “We request the time and flexibility to announce our artist line-up as and when it is suitable by our internal processes and approvals.”
EIPA further noted that, as articulated by the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, additional artists will be incorporated into the lineup, encouraging the public to stay informed through social media and local media channels. EIPA reiterated that a phased approach to music programming is a standard practice within the Eswatini music industry, a sentiment they trust ACAESWA understands given their extensive experience in curating performances.
Historically, ACAESWA has played a significant role in the gospel music program at the EITF, which has raised questions about the organization’s exclusion from this year’s event. EIPA explained that to be inclusive and to provide opportunities to various stakeholders across the country, it is not feasible to engage ACAESWA every year.
They underscored the importance of allowing other capable individuals and businesses the chance to contribute to the festival’s programming.
The management further elaborated on the current artist lineup for the 2024 EITF, revealing that 83 per cent of all artists featured are local talent, with only 17 per cent being South African. For the gospel segment specifically, 60 per cent of the artists will be local, with the remaining 40 per cent comprising international acts.
EIPA assured that further additions to the local artist representation are in the pipeline, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing and celebrating the local arts scene.
EIPA’s management called upon ACAESWA to engage in constructive discussions rather than airing grievances publicly.
“We invite ACAESWA to have fruitful discussions with us in person rather than debating issues in the media,” they stated, reflecting a desire for collaboration rather than conflict.
