By Siphesihle Dlamini
Swazi Boy Entertainment has officially unveiled the House Musiq Fest (HMF) Phase 3 lineup. With heavyweights Oscar MBO and Thakzin headlining the event, the 2025 edition of HMF promises to be a musical spectacle unlike any other.
The festival, slated for March 29, 2025, at Manzini Club, has already garnered massive attention, drawing music lovers from Eswatini, South Africa, Mozambique, and beyond.
The latest lineup announcement adds even more firepower to an already stellar roster, featuring top-tier South African acts Brandon Dhludhlu, June Jazzin, and Vinny Da Vinci, along with a host of Eswatini’s finest, including DJ Crooks, Speech Umlangeni, and Wigo.
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Worth noting, the House Musiq Fest just got colder—Castle Lite has officially joined the lineup as the festival’s beer partner, promising to elevate the experience for attendees.
As the festival gears up for its 6th edition, excitement is brewing, with fans eager to experience the euphoric blend of deep house, Afro house, and the latest electronic music trends that HMF has become known for.
Tickets for House Musiq Fest are now available for purchase via Computicket, with early bird tickets offering an exclusive opportunity for fans to secure their spot ahead of the event.
As tickets are expected to sell out quickly, festival organizers are encouraging fans to act fast and avoid disappointment.
What started as a humble gathering of house music lovers has now transformed into one of Eswatini’s most anticipated music festivals.
Each year, HMF outdoes itself, drawing bigger crowds, featuring bolder lineups, and cementing its reputation as a cultural melting pot where music, art, and community collide.
The House Musiq Fest has built a reputation over the years for its eclectic mix of musical performances, strong cultural influences, and the warm, welcoming environment it creates for festivalgoers.
Manzini Club, the festival’s long-term home, provides the perfect setting. Nestled in the heart of Eswatini’s most vibrant city, the venue pulses with life as thousands of revellers immerse themselves in the festival’s electrifying atmosphere.
The HMF has evolved into a multi-sensory experience, offering not just music but also fashion, food, art, and immersive activities.
Few names in South African house music command the level of respect and admiration that Oscar MBO does.
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A true architect of groove, his music is a fusion of deep house, deep tech, Nu Jazz, broken beat, and lounge vibes, creating a sonic experience that transcends the dance floor.
From his breakout days in 2017, Oscar has steadily built an empire, becoming a key figure in the South African house music scene.
His critically acclaimed album “For The Groovists” (2020) set the tone for a new era in the genre, earning him a nomination at the 27th South African Music Awards for Best Dance Album.
A master of reinvention, Oscar MBO has expanded his influence beyond music, carving a niche in podcasting with “The Ashmed Hour,” where he curates mixes and engages with some of the biggest names in the industry.
His global footprint has also grown significantly, with performances at DJOON Club in Paris, festivals in Mozambique, and, of course, previous editions of House Musiq Fest.
As he prepares to grace the HMF stage once again, fans can expect a soul-stirring set filled with deep, pulsating basslines, hypnotic melodies, and that signature Oscar MBO touch that turns any event into a spiritual house experience.
While Oscar MBO brings the groove, Thakzin brings the fire. Known for his boundary-pushing productions and electrifying DJ sets, Thakzin is a true visionary in the ever-evolving South African electronic scene.
His 2022 viral hit “The Magnificent Dance” did more than just light up dancefloors—it redefined the landscape of South African house music, birthing a new genre known as 3Step.
A seamless blend of Amapiano, Afro House, and Deep House, 3Step quickly gained traction, earning Thakzin a reputation as a trailblazer in global electronic music.
His remix work has also made waves, with standout reimaginings of Oscar MBO’s “Yes God” (in collaboration with Mörda & Mhaw Keys) and DJ Kent’s classic “Horns In The Sun,” featuring the captivating vocals of Brenden Praise.
These tracks have catapulted him onto international stages, with performances in Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Paris, London, and the Montreux Jazz Festival.
After debuting his first international shows in Hong Kong, Amsterdam & Paris end of 2023, Thakzin has entered the small circle of South African artists touring the world in 2024 with highlight gigs in London (Sondela, Deviation, Piano People In The Park, Fabric), Paris (Djoon, Amapiano France), Amsterdam (Open air Festival, Latin Lounge Festival, ADE), Switzerland (Montreux Jazz Festival, Mystika Zürich), Berlin (Rise Music Festival), Lisbon (White Emotion 24) or La Réunion (Sakifo Festival)
At HMF, Thakzin is expected to deliver a high-energy, immersive set, filled with deep percussive rhythms, hypnotic vocal loops, and groundbreaking soundscapes that will keep the crowd moving from dusk to dawn.
HMF isn’t just about music, it’s about creating a fully immersive experience.
This year, Swazi Boy Entertainment has curated an array of activities, exhibitions, and pop-up experiences to keep festivalgoers engaged throughout the event.
The full lineup
- Vinny Da Vinci
- Oscar MBO
- Brandon Dhludhlu
- Thakzin
- June Jazzin
- The Scientists
- Crooks
- Selby
- Expo
- Fantacy
- Speech Umlangeni & Wigo
- China
- Rekorder
- Wicked
- Ndumz DJ
