Umuthi Fest jabs a dose of groove!
By Siphesihle Dlamini
Umuthi Fest 2025 delivered a spectacular dose of groove, colour, and pure joy, turning the Mavuso Trade Centre into a cauldron of energy, rhythm, and unity on Saturday night.
What was billed as a celebration of music and culture quickly transformed into one of the most memorable nights of the year for local and regional music lovers.
The festival, which featured performances from its visionaries Blaq Diamond and company, lived up to its billing as a “musical vaccine,” a curative blend of artistry, sound, and emotion.
It was an event that reaffirmed Eswatini’s growing appetite for world-class entertainment and showcased the depth of talent on both the local and South African fronts.
The evening kicked off with local acts that set the tone for a night that would later burst into a rhythm of flames. DJ Ayacity was among the first to ignite the decks, drawing early cheers from the audience with a perfectly curated set that kept the growing crowd on their feet.
His seamless mixing and ability to sense the audience’s pulse ensured that the night began on an exhilarating note.
Then came Lady Zee, who proved once again why she remains one of Eswatini’s most celebrated female DJs. She spun her magic with breathtaking precision, dropping hit after hit that electrified the crowd.
Her set was a vibrant fusion of Amapiano, house, and afrobeat rhythms, a sonic journey that left no one standing still. “Lady Zee really brought fire to the stage,” one fan shouted amid the flashing lights and waving hands, summing up the sentiment of many in attendance.
The mood then took a soulful turn when Linda Dlamini graced the stage, blending praise and celebration in a performance that touched hearts. His rendition of Phathi Igama Lika Jesu echoed through the venue as hundreds of voices joined in, transforming the festival grounds into a spontaneous choir.
His segment served as a powerful reminder that spirituality and celebration can coexist harmoniously on one stage.
Not to be outdone, Culolam brought a thunderous energy behind the decks, keeping the momentum alive with irresistible beats that drew cheers from every corner of the Trade Centre.
Shortly after, Gifted Kosie made her grand entrance, a multi-talented performer who seamlessly fused her DJ skills with dance artistry.
Her set, accompanied by a team of dazzling dancers, was an explosive visual and musical spectacle. She moved to her own rhythm, commanding the stage with charisma that left the audience enthralled.
The groove intensified when M Nation took the spotlight, accompanied by fellow performers Histo, DJ Citie, and Cool Drop. Together, they delivered a thrilling collaborative set filled with energy, unity, and homegrown pride.
Their performance embodied the spirit of Umuthi Fest, a musical celebration of collective creativity and cultural exchange.
When Young Zesh, currently hailed as one of the best artists in Eswatini, stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere shifted from excitement to sheer euphoria.
His arrival was greeted by a deafening roar from fans who had waited eagerly for his set. He performed some of his biggest hits, including Liphasela, Kogcina Bani, and Sivumeleni. Each lyric was met with choruses of fans singing along word-for-word, waving their hands in rhythm.
“Zesh is the heartbeat of the youth,” one young reveller remarked. “His songs speak to us and seeing him perform live just hits different.” Indeed, it was a performance that reminded everyone why Young Zesh continues to dominate Eswatini’s music scene, a blend of authenticity, stage presence, and connection that few can replicate.
The energy soared even higher when South African sensations Xowla and Siya Ntuli, both signed under Inkabi Records, took over the stage.
Their set brought an unmistakable Inkabi flair, soulful vocals intertwined with the rich storytelling typical of the label’s musical identity.
Fans waved their phones in the air, illuminating the venue in a sea of lights as the duo performed their popular tracks to resounding applause.
Their performance symbolised a bridge between Eswatini and South Africa’s music scenes, two nations linked by rhythm, language, and a shared love for good music.
As the night reached its crescendo, the stage transformed into a constellation of stars. Makhosi, Donald, Naledi Aphiwe, Mlindo The Vocalist, Mawelele, and Aubrey Qwana each graced the microphone, delivering back-to-back performances that turned the Trade Centre into a musical wonderland.
Donald, the smooth-voiced crooner, serenaded the audience with his signature love anthems, while Mlindo The Vocalist’s soulful delivery left fans swaying and singing along.
Naledi Aphiwe, the young powerhouse whose vocals have captivated the continent, showcased her maturity and control, proving that age is no barrier to brilliance.
Mawelele brought his infectious rhythm, while Aubrey Qwana’s heartfelt performance stitched a perfect emotional thread through the night’s tapestry of sound.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for, Blaq Diamond, the mastermind behind Umuthi Fest, stepped onto the stage to deliver a finale that could only be described as cinematic.
Their arrival was met with wild cheers, flashing cameras, and thunderous applause. The duo performed a setlist packed with fan favourites, blending rich harmonies, poetic lyrics, and that unmistakable Afro-soul-meets-hip-hop flair that has made them one of Southern Africa’s most beloved acts.
Songs like Ibhanoyi, SummerYoMuthi, and Love Letter had fans dancing, singing, and losing themselves in every note.
