Talented seven-year-old poet Siya Goje is set to headline the third edition of Poetry In Comfort. This event aims to give poetry a fresh and entertaining experience while creating a platform for young creatives in Eswatini.
The annual event is scheduled for December 5, 2026, at the Liberty Community Centre in Manzini, where poetry, music and Gospel-inspired performances will come together for an evening centred on creativity, entertainment and inspiration. Tickets are E100, while door tickets are E150.
Event director Sibonokuhle Simelane said Poetry In Comfort was born out of a desire to move away from the traditional perception of poetry events and create an environment where audiences could enjoy performances while feeling relaxed.
“The inspiration behind Poetry In Comfort comes from a desire to create a different kind of poetry experience in Eswatini,” Simelane said.
He explained that poetry was often associated with a performer simply standing on stage and reciting, but the organisers wanted to introduce an experience that allowed audiences to connect more closely with the performers.
“Poetry is often experienced simply as a person standing on stage and reciting, but we wanted to create an environment where people can truly relax, connect with the performers and enjoy poetry in a comfortable and entertaining setting,” he said.
The concept is closely linked to the event’s origins, with Poetry In Comfort founded by Jonokuhle Upholstery. 
According to Simelane, the company’s couches became an important part of the event’s identity, helping to create the comfortable atmosphere that gives the showcase its name.
“The idea is simple: people come, sit comfortably, listen to beautiful poetry, enjoy music and share an unforgettable experience,” he said. Since its establishment, the event has continued to grow, with the organisers now looking to introduce a stronger Gospel influence to this year’s edition.
Simelane said the third edition would therefore not only showcase poetry and music, but would also use the two art forms to deliver messages of faith, encouragement and inspiration.
The organisers’ ambitions for the event extend beyond staging an annual showcase. Simelane said one of their biggest objectives was to provide young poets and musicians with an opportunity to perform before an audience and have their talents recognised.
“Our biggest goal is to give young poets and musicians a platform to showcase their talent, while also creating an event that brings people together through art, music and meaningful messages,” he said.
He said the organisers wanted Poetry In Comfort to establish itself as one of the events that audiences anticipate each year.
They also want to demonstrate that poetry can move beyond being viewed as a niche art form and become an entertaining and commercially viable event capable of attracting a wider audience.
“We want Poetry in Comfort to become one of the events that people look forward to every year in Eswatini,” Simelane said.
“We also want to prove that poetry can be entertaining, commercially viable and capable of attracting audiences beyond the traditional poetry community.
” This year’s edition will also place greater emphasis on Gospel, with Simelane saying the organisers want to use poetry and music to communicate positive and meaningful messages.
“Most importantly, this year’s edition will carry a touch of Gospel, allowing us to use poetry and music to inspire, encourage and remind people about God while still giving them a beautiful entertainment experience,” he said.
At the centre of the lineup will be Goje, whose participation is expected to add a unique dimension to the event.
Despite his young age, the seven-year-old has already attracted attention for his poetry, and Simelane said his inclusion as the headline act had generated excitement ahead of the event.
“Our headliner this year is the incredibly talented seven-year-old poet, Siya Goje, whose participation has already created excitement around the event,” he said.
Siya Goje will be joined by other poets and musicians from Eswatini, with the programme expected to feature Gospel poetry, music and other artistic expressions.
Simelane said the organisers were deliberately putting together a diverse lineup to ensure that Poetry In Comfort appeals to people with different interests.
“We are putting together a lineup that will cater for different audiences, so whether you are a lover of poetry, Gospel music, live entertainment or simply looking for a unique experience, there will be something for you,” he said.
For the organisers, however, the success of the event will also depend on the support it receives from the public.
Simelane urged emaSwati to support local creatives by attending the event, saying ticket purchases go beyond simply gaining entry to an entertainment show.
“My message to the people of Eswatini is simple: please come and support local talent,” he said.
He described Poetry In Comfort as more than an event, saying it serves as a platform where young people can step onto a stage, share their talents and receive appreciation from their communities.
“By buying a ticket, you are not only coming to enjoy the show; you are investing in the arts and supporting the young creatives who are working hard to build their future,” Simelane said.
He encouraged audiences to secure their tickets early and attend the event with friends and family when Poetry In Comfort returns to Manzini in December.
“I encourage everyone to secure their tickets early, bring your friends and family, and come experience Poetry in Comfort on 5 December 2026 at Manzini Liberty Community Centre,” he said.
With the event now entering its third edition, Simelane said the organisers were determined to make this year’s installment bigger and more memorable.
“This is our third edition, and we want to make it the biggest and most memorable one yet,” he said. “Come ready to relax, listen, laugh, worship, be inspired and enjoy poetry in comfort!” Simelane said.
