STANDARD BANK LUJU 2026 OPENS MEDIA ACCREDITATION

The countdown to one of the continent’s most celebrated cultural gatherings has begun. Media accreditation is now officially open for the 8th edition of the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, set to unfold on 1 and 2 August 2026 at the iconic House On Fire in Malkerns, Eswatini.

For the first time in its history, Standard Bank Luju will take centre stage across two full weekend days, with organisers anticipating an attendance of over 12,000 guests drawn from across Africa and beyond. Guided by the festival’s evocative philosophy, “A Return to the African Future,” the 2026 edition promises an immersive celebration of the continent’s heritage, creativity and pioneering spirit.

This year’s programme is rich with storytelling. Culinary heritage takes the spotlight through the Nguni Foodways theme, while the runway and dress code draw deeply from African oral tradition under the Kwasukasukela fashion theme. Audiences can also look forward to a world-class line-up of Pan-African music and experiential zones designed to celebrate the sophistication, creativity and heritage of the continent.

“Standard Bank Luju has always been more than a festival, it is a living expression of where Africa has been and where it is going,” said Phiwo Dhlamini, Communications Manager. “We are inviting the region’s finest storytellers to come and help us tell that story. If your work lives at the intersection of food, fashion, culture and African identity, this is the story of the year.”

Who Should Apply

Standard Bank Luju welcomes applications from journalists, photographers, videographers and content creators attached to established and reputable media houses. This includes national, regional and international newspapers and magazines; radio and television stations and networks; relevant online publications and digital platforms; and travel, food and fashion writers and bloggers.

What Accredited Media Can Access

Accredited media will be able to attend press conferences, request interviews with artists, and gain front-of-stage access for photography and short-form video. Accreditation also unlocks the dedicated Media Hive — equipped with power and wireless internet — which serves as the festival’s hub for media information and interviews.

How to Apply

Applications are made exclusively through the Standard Bank Luju Media Accreditation page at www.lujufestival.com/media-accreditation. All applicants must complete a media form from the Kingdom of Eswatini’s Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT) before accreditation can be confirmed.

Spaces are limited and final selections are made at the festival’s discretion. Applications close on Sunday, 12 July 2026, and prospective media are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Due to the volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted by 17 July 2026.

Organisers also remind applicants that accreditation does not include travel or accommodation unless pre-arranged, and that nearby lodging fills up quickly , early booking is strongly advised.

Media queries can be directed to [email protected].