Renowned South African singer-songwriter Young Stunna has been confirmed as one of the headline acts for the inaugural Eswatini Kota Festival.
The Amapiano star joins a star-studded lineup that includes Amanda Black, Mlindo The Vocalist, Mörda, Emtee, Ringo Madlingozi, and several other celebrated artists, promising festivalgoers an unforgettable fusion of music, food and culture.
The festival is set to take place on October 24, 2026, at Malkerns Country Club, where thousands of attendees are expected to gather for what organisers have billed as the Kingdom’s biggest kota experience. 
The Eswatini Kota Festival aims to celebrate the popular South African street food, the kota, while bringing together music, food vendors and family-friendly entertainment under one roof.
Organisers have planned a full-day programme running from 10 am until 10 pm, allowing attendees to enjoy live performances, food stalls and various activities throughout the day.
Meanwhile, organisers have announced that 50 per cent of the early bird tickets have already been sold, signalling strong public interest months ahead of the event. Organisers are encouraging patrons to purchase their tickets early, as only limited early bird tickets are available.
Ticket prices have been structured to cater for different categories of attendees.
General admission family packages start from E200, while children’s tickets cost E80.
Students will pay E100 for entry, while standard adult tickets are selling for E150.
Those seeking a premium experience can purchase VIP tickets for E800, which include secured parking, reserved seating and a complimentary kota. Parking has been set at E50 per vehicle.
The organisers have also announced several regulations aimed at ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for attendees.
The festival will operate as a completely cashless event, with patrons required to use bank cards for purchases inside the venue.
Camp chairs will be permitted, while vendors inside the venue will provide refreshments, snacks and other food items.
However, organisers have prohibited attendees from bringing their own food, drinks, water or snacks into the venue.
Only empty cooler boxes will be allowed free of charge, with beverages expected to be pre-ordered through an online system that will become available from September 20.
Filled cooler boxes will not be permitted, while cooler boxes will also be prohibited in the VIP section.
Hubblys will not be allowed into the venue, although organisers indicated they will be available for hire inside the festival grounds.
In addition, organisers have announced that no tickets will be sold at the gate on the day of the event, making advance ticket purchases compulsory.
They also warned that there will be no pass-outs after 7 pm, meaning patrons who leave the venue after that time will not be allowed back inside.
Adding a colourful touch to the celebration, organisers have selected an “All White with a Touch of Yellow” dress theme, encouraging attendees to embrace the occasion by dressing in predominantly white outfits complemented by yellow accessories.
The festival is also creating opportunities for food entrepreneurs by inviting Kota vendors to participate in the event.
Interested vendors stand a chance to win a share of E10 000 and have been encouraged to submit their applications through the designated online portal.
The event is being organised by GoldEx Events with support from Nyama Choma Spices.
