LOCALS ONLY AT THIS YEAR’S TRADE FAIR GIG

MBABANE – The tagline #LoyalToLocal is taken very seriously by corporate entities this year.

This year’s Eswatini Trade Fair last show, which was popularly known as a gig (egigini), set for September 6, will featured only Eswatini born artists who reside in  and outside our borders.

The line-up was revealed by the host, Swaziland Investments Promotion Authority (SIPA), which is working with Swaziland Arts and Music Association (SWAMA) in securing the best entertainment.

Artists slated to perform on September 6, a show which will also be celebrating the 50/50 Independence Day, were Zamo, Bholoja, S Tone, Sheejay Zoe (formerly known as DJ Zoe), Mozaik, Qibho Intalektual, DJ Cybos, Touch of Soul and Jazz P. These artists and DJs are born Eswatini but have gained international recognition.

Zamo is a former member of MTN Joyous Celebration, S Tone is signed under South African stable known as El World, Sheejay Zoe rose to fame through SABC 1’S Jika Majika, Jazz P is making it big in Mozambique while Bholoja gained respect in France, attaining himself a French music producer.
Mozaik has produced music for South Africa’s DJ Qness, Touch of Soul has made acquaintances with Afrontainment which is under the leadership of DJ Tira, Qibho Intalektual has preached music through YALI in the country and in the United States of America and lastly, South African nightclubs know DJ Cybos’ deck skills.

Swaziland Investments Promotion Authority Executive Manager for Trade Promotion Bongani Ntshangase confirmed the line-up, stating that as a corporate entity, they see it as a business opportunity for them to incorporate locals in the show.

“We do not see this as an empowerment only from the art angle but we see this as a business. By giving locals a gig, we are engaging them in a business that will make their future bright.

“By giving them this opportunity, we are not only promoting their ‘hobby’ but engaging them so that their families also benefit,” said Ntshangase.
SWAMA President Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini said this year is meant to celebrate Eswatini’s shining stars.

“It is a really special year for the country and the arts have grown in leaps especially in the last past couple of years. We will use this amazing platform to remind the native liSwati just how talented local musicians are and how far anyone can take their dream.

“The first list of artists is basically made up of those that continue to wave our flag beyond our borders. They are all not based in the country and they are very excited to come and celebrate 50 years of the kingdom and Trade Fair with us,” said Dlamini.

Dlamini added that most locals have not been seen them performing in a very long time and all of them will be on the same stage for the very first time it is going to be a really special moment.
“More artists will be revealed in due course,” said Dlamini.

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