Daliwonga shuts down Spring Bash

By Siphesihle Dlamini

The spring air at IF’s Lounge was heavy with groove, rhythm, and a contagious spirit of celebration on Saturday night, as South African Amapiano powerhouse Daliwonga headlined the long-awaited Spring Bash, delivering a performance that fans will talk about for months to come.

From the moment the first beat dropped, it was clear that this was no ordinary night out, it was a full-blown musical experience that threaded together Eswatini’s vibrant talent and South Africa’s global Amapiano flair under one ecstatic roof.

The evening’s festivities began with Obsession, who took to the stage at around 9 pm with a three-step set that immediately lured early attendees to the dance floor. However, midway through his set, the sound system suffered a brief technical hiccup, forcing an unplanned pause.

But true to his name and passion, Obsession returned to the decks an hour later, refusing to let the glitch steal the night’s energy. His resilience was rewarded as the crowd cheered him on, vibing to a smooth recovery that reminded everyone why live music is all about the moment, imperfect, unpredictable, and magical.

By 11 pm, gospel music took over the atmosphere as Linda Dlamini graced the stage with “Esandleni.” The sudden switch from party tunes to praise anthems created a refreshing moment of unity; fun-loving fans raised their voices in powerful harmony, echoing the lyrics word for word.

Linda continued to captivate the audience with “Phathi Gama LikaJesu” and “Imimoya”, transforming the venue into a temporary church of joy.

It was a moment of reflection, proof that gospel has a rightful seat at the table of entertainment, and that spirituality and rhythm can coexist beautifully under neon lights.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. At the stroke of midnight, Daliwonga emerged to thunderous cheers and flashing phone cameras.

Dressed sharply and smiling with that effortless confidence that only a star can wear, he kicked off his set with “Hawayu”, sending the crowd into a collective scream of recognition.

Phones lit up the venue like stars in a digital sky as he transitioned into “Kunkra”, followed by “Abo Mvelo,” and just like that, the dance floor turned into a living, breathing organism, moving in sync with every piano chord and bassline drop.

When he performed “Dipatje Taa Felo”, chaos erupted, in the best way possible. People jumped, whistled, and shouted lyrics at the top of their lungs. IF’s Lounge became a musical volcano ready to erupt.

The track’s deep bass and infectious hook proved, once again, why Daliwonga remains one of Amapiano’s most magnetic performers.

He wasn’t done yet. “Izolo” followed, and if the crowd hadn’t already lost their voices, this was the final blow. Couples swayed, friends hugged, and strangers danced together, united by rhythm. And just when everyone thought he had emptied his bag of hits, Daliwonga flipped the script and surprised fans with “Gangnam Style”.

It was a playful curveball that showed off his versatility and stage charm. “What a catalogue. What an artist,” murmured one fan near the front, still gasping for breath after the frenzy. Indeed, Daliwonga didn’t just perform, he conquered.

Once Daliwonga’s set came to a close, Eswatini’s very own DJ Bandora took over, ensuring that the energy never dropped an inch. His well-curated Hip-Hop set reminded everyone of his star quality and his deep understanding of crowd dynamics.

Every transition was sharp, every drop intentional, and every track well-chosen. He played with tempo, flirted with nostalgia, and kept heads nodding throughout, proving that Eswatini’s DJs can stand toe-to-toe with any international act.

Next up was Young Zesh, who stepped on stage at around 12:45 am and immediately shifted the mood with a heartfelt a cappella intro. His voice, unfiltered and raw, pierced through the buzz of the night like a warm sunrise after a storm.

He performed “Sivumeleni”, followed by “Senibeketele”, which had the audience softly singing along. When he called Lesia Musiq to the stage for their collaboration “Ikhalenda”, the chemistry between the two artists was undeniable.

It was artistry in motion, a beautiful exchange between rising talents. He closed off his set with “KaKhoza”, his signature anthem, sealing his place as one of Eswatini’s most promising performers.

Zee the DJ then turned up the tempo with a sizzling Amapiano set, fusing smooth transitions with infectious drops. Her ability to read the room and feed off the audience’s energy showed experience beyond her years.

From vibey instrumentals to soulful vocal-infused piano hits, Zee kept the night alive and moving. At 1:50 am, South African Kwaito legend Thebe took the stage, and the atmosphere shifted from digital beats to old-school rhythm. It was time for the grown folks to relive their glory days, and Thebe delivered with veteran precision.

He opened with “Groovers’ Prayer”, sending waves of nostalgia across the venue. As he moved into “Ungawa Kum”, fans who grew up in the Kwaito era sang and danced like teenagers again.

He followed up with “Bula Boot”, “Nomathemba”, and the ever-funky “Monate Mpolaye”, reminding everyone that true classics never die. His performance was more than music; it was a time capsule, a reminder of when rhythm was raw, lyrics were playful, and performance was driven by soul.

By the time the lights dimmed and the last beat faded, one thing was certain, Spring Bash 2025 had delivered beyond expectation. From gospel and hip-hop to amapiano and kwaito, the event was a melting pot of genres and generations, tied together by one unshakable love: music.
Daliwonga’s headlining act stood out as the crown jewel of the night, polished, explosive, and full of character. His effortless blend of vocals and stage charisma proved why he’s one of South Africa’s most bankable performers.

Despite the early technical hiccups, every act from Obsession’s determination to Thebe’s nostalgic finish, contributed to an unforgettable evening that celebrated both the present and the past of Southern African music. Spring had officially sprung, and IF’s Lounge was its heartbeat.