MAKOTI FESTIVAL GOES BIGGER WITH DUAL-STAGE SETUP

If you’ve been searching for the perfect excuse to visit the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Makoti Festival’s fifth edition just handed you one.

Set for May 2, 2026 at Malkerns Country Club, this landmark edition introduces a brand-new Dance Stage , a second performance arena dedicated to DJ culture, making it the most ambitious instalment yet. The dual-stage setup transforms the scenic Malkerns Valley grounds into a full festival village, and with over 40 acts on the bill, there is something for every kind of traveller.

A Lineup Worth Travelling For

Headline acts include South Africa’s DJ Zinhle, Mozambique’s vibrant Liloca, traditional folk legend Ntunja of the Mahhotela Queens, and multi-talented entertainer Phindy Sifunda-Mashabane. Eswatini’s own gospel queen and Metro FM nominee Nothando Hlophe is the act everyone, including fellow performers, cannot stop talking about.

The Dance Stage: A Regional DJ Showcase

The new Dance Stage gives talented DJs from South Africa, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini a platform to shine. ETN caught up with three debutants ahead of the big day.

Touch of Soul (Thabo Mnisi) is bringing good vibes and fresh music: “Attendees can expect what we call a Touch of Soul experience, good vibes and good music. We will be introducing some new music we have been working on, so we’re looking forward to seeing how it’s received.”

AyaCity (Ayanda Motsa) is promising an electric set: “Fans can expect nothing but the best of my new music, including what I’m dropping with different South African heavyweights.”

Bandora (Bandisi Dlamini) is putting R&B and hip-hop front and centre: “They must just get their dancing shoes ready because they will dance their feet off.” He also had high praise for Nothando Hlophe, calling her latest album “a beast of an album that’s generational.”

Full DJ Lineup

DJ Zinhle, SkyWhite (Mozambique), DJ Picat Da Italian, DJ Cup, Mulinde, DJ Dilson, Mpho Less, Mdu AKA TRP, Touch of Soul, AyaCity, Bandora, Culolami, Cybos, Tilungu, Sqitha, Fantacy, Gifted Kosie, ITSALLBLAQ, Nelson X, DJ Geenger, Ash, Baba, Loco, Zaimarn, Ace4nic, Dope Deep, Mekonko, DJ Tseko, Chubby T, DJ Castle, and Selby.

Getting There

Malkerns sits roughly 25km from Mbabane and is easily accessible from Manzini. Travellers from South Africa can enter via the Oshoek/Ngwenya border post from Johannesburg, or Golela/Lavumisa from KwaZulu-Natal. The scenic drive through Eswatini’s rolling hills to Malkerns is a treat in itself. International visitors can fly into King Mswati III International Airport in Manzini, with connections via OR Tambo.

Tickets

Phase 3 tickets are available on Computicket, Howler, and Moja Ticket:

General Admission: E300
VIP: E750

Powered by Orchard Insurance, Makoti Festival 2026 is a celebration of Swazi culture, regional talent, and live music energy that is well worth the journey.

Pack your bags. The Kingdom is calling. 🇸🇿

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