SUNSET SUNDAYS BRINGS LIVE MUSIC, FAMILY VIBES AND TOURISM TO MAFUTSENI

By Ntokozo Zwane

A new Sunday experience is taking shape at Emseni Gardens in Mafutseni, where Sunset Sundays is bringing together live music, nature, networking and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Hosted by Eye Studios in collaboration with Afro-tech and house producer Sibu Manzini, the experience builds on a creative partnership established through previous projects, including their work at MTN Bushfire 2026.

During Bushfire, Eye Studios worked with Sibu Manzini on a production capturing his performance alongside the Vulamasangos Students Choir, as well as other local musicians and performers. The collaboration showcased Manzini’s approach to blending electronic sounds with live musical elements, while highlighting the diversity of Eswatini’s creative scene.

Sunset Sundays is designed to offer an alternative to the conventional Sunday entertainment experience, combining live music and recording with an outdoor lifestyle setting. A headline artist and supporting performers will take the stage, with the main live recording scheduled to begin at 5pm.

Guests are encouraged to arrive from 1pm to explore the venue, enjoy the surroundings, connect with others and experience the sunset before the live recording gets underway.

The event will take place on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

Emseni Gardens was selected for its peaceful surroundings, botanical gardens and scenic sunset views. The venue offers an open environment suited to families, couples, friends and individuals looking for a relaxed Sunday outing away from the bustle of urban centres.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, photography, cocktails, food and networking, while accommodation and camping facilities provide options for those wishing to extend their stay and experience more of the area.

For the organisers, however, Sunset Sundays is about more than entertainment. The experience is also positioned as a tourism initiative, encouraging both local and international visitors to explore destinations beyond Eswatini’s major urban centres and discover the tranquillity and experiences available in places such as Mafutseni.

The organisers are also welcoming visitors from South Africa and other international destinations, with the event’s digital content already reaching audiences beyond Eswatini.

The anticipated interest from visitors travelling from destinations such as Dubai further demonstrates the potential for entertainment and creative experiences to contribute to destination marketing, by introducing audiences to lesser-known areas and encouraging travel beyond traditional tourism hotspots.

With Sibu Manzini’s growing musical profile and Eye Studios’ focus on creative production, Sunset Sundays is positioning itself at the intersection of music, lifestyle, networking and tourism.

Set against the natural backdrop of Mafutseni, the experience offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy live entertainment while discovering another side of Eswatini, where peaceful surroundings, local creativity and tourism come together.