Makoti Festival 2026 unveils traditional attire competition

The Makoti Festival is set to celebrate its fifth edition with an exciting addition of a traditional attire competition.

Scheduled for April 25, 2026, at Malkerns Country Club, the festival continues to grow as a key cultural highlight in the region, drawing attendees eager to embrace and honour Eswatini’s rich heritage.

Festival Director Thembinkosi Mthethwa shared the inspiration behind this year’s focus on traditional attire, emphasising the overwhelming positive response on social media. “Let’s rock Imvunulo at Makoti Festival this year,” he said enthusiastically.

While the festival welcomes all styles, from designer dresses to casual wear, the team wanted to encourage patrons to showcase traditional Eswatini clothing, known as Imvunulo, without feeling restricted by budget constraints.

“Designer outfits can be costly, so everyone should attend the festival in whatever they are comfortable in, whether it’s traditional attire or designer dresses, all are welcome,” Mthethwa explained.

To further engage the community, the festival has launched a social media competition inviting participants to share photos of themselves wearing traditional attire.

The competition offers a chance to win free tickets to the festival, making it accessible to more people who want to be part of the celebration.

The rules are straightforward: participants must upload three pictures showcasing their Imvunulo, and the photos with the most likes by the deadline of January 30, 2026, will be selected as winners.

Additionally, participants must share the competition post after uploading their pictures, or their entries will not be counted.

The Makoti Festival, presented by NewLife Entertainment and the Illa PenBoy Foundation, has rapidly become one of the region’s most influential cultural events since its debut in April 2022. I

ts growth is evident in the recent media launches held in Mbombela, South Africa, Lesotho, and Maputo, Mozambique, signalling its expanding regional influence and appeal.

Ticket sales for the 2026 festival are already underway across major platforms such as Computicket, Howler, Moja Ticket, and the festival’s official website.

Tickets will be sold in three phases, with general admission prices starting at E200 in phase one and increasing to E300 by phase three. VIP tickets begin at E500 and rise to E750, offering fans a premium festival experience.

Mthethwa assured festivalgoers that this year’s event will be bigger and more vibrant than ever before.

“Fans should expect a series of exciting announcements in the coming weeks, including the reveal of artists, DJs, and special guests who will headline the 2026 edition,” he said, building anticipation for a spectacular lineup.