Times Of Swaziland: UMUTHI FESTIVAL A HIT

UMUTHI FESTIVAL A HIT
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Neliswa Sibiya on 22/04/2024 08:14:00


MANZINI - Fun lovers expectations were fulfilled as the Umuthi Festival offered
them nothing but all their money’s worth.
The lively crowd on the night came prepared for the banger show and what the
artists on the line-up had cooked for them till dawn. The show, which was held
at Mavuso Sports Centre, was one for the books and was well curated.
PERFORMANCES
Opening the show for international acts was none other than Inkabi Nations’
Xowla, with his trending jam ‘Bengidakiwe.’  While Xowla’s vibrant
performance got the crowd on their feet, the musician got things heated even
further when he sang the intro to one of their most viral songs,
‘Voicemail,’ which was also an intro for Lwah Ndlunkulu. The lovely
songstress then took over the stage after Xowla, and she filled the crowd’s
expectations. While performing, Lwah could not hold back her excitement as she
called upon a fan who was carrying a portrait.
Mayibongwe Simelane said he has always wanted to get this opportunity: “As I
am a huge fan of her music, I saw it best to just draw this portrait and gift it
to her for her birthday, and I am so honoured to have fulfilled this wish
tonight.”
After a good two hours of waiting for the headlining acts of the night, the
amazingly talented duo finally got to the stage and performed their all-time
favourite song titled “Ibhanoyi,” and the crowd went into a frenzy singing
along with them.” We love performing in Eswatini because we always know the
crowd is incredible and always welcoming. The reception in Eswatini is one that
we always look forward to,” commented the duo in an interview. Closing up the
international acts for the night, also the fan favourites, was Sjava. The
‘Imphilo’ hitmaker’s performance was the longest, as he was joined by
almost all the other acts to close up the show, and it was a singalong. The
audience was mostly excited when Sjava was joined by Mlindo to perform their
banger track, ‘Amablesser.’
The event organiser was too humbled by the turnout and was grateful for the
immense support that emaSwati gave them on the night. “I am so humbled by the
turnout, looking at the lineup and the price, people would not believe that all
of them would show up, but I am very happy that emaSwati believed in us and
showed up in their numbers,” said Zulu D.