If Eswatini had a playlist, this weekend would be the track that starts mellow, builds into a soulful chorus, drops a few high-energy verses and ends with fireworks and confetti.
From the polished lawns of Malkerns to the mountain breeze of Ezulwini and right into the pumping heart of Manzini, there is something brewed, curated, or DJ’ed for everyone. The crown jewel? The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival a dazzling celebration of music, fashion, food, and culture that returns to House on Fire with all the flair of a runway walk set to a live jazz band.
Luju is not just an event, it is a movement. An elegant, eclectic explosion of heritage and innovation that invites everyone to come as they are, or as their most fabulous selves.
Today marks the beginning of a two-day cultural escape where Eswatini’s creative pulse beats loudest and proudest. Day one kicks-off with a starry lineup featuring South African heavyweights TKZee, De Mthuda, Jazzworx, and Thukuthela. Local giants IYA, Khole, Diba Diba, Velemseni, and Sibu Manzini promise to keep the flag flying high with performances soaked in soul and authenticity.
Then comes Day two, and if you thought it could not get any better spoiler: it can. The Saturday spectacle brings in powerhouse performers like Siya Makuzeni Small, the genre-blending enchantress Buhlebendalo, afro-pop hitmakers Blaq Diamond, the ever-rhythmic Tribal Natives and the legendary Hotstix.
From sunset to the early hours of the morning, the fields of Malkerns will throb with laughter, song and the aroma of gourmet street food and fine drinks. It is fashion. It is music. It is vibes with a capital.
But while Luju owns the spotlight, the weekend scene is equally buzzing. Love Affairs at Mdzimba View Shisanyama delivers a sultry sonic escape with Mhaw Keys and Russel Zuma, while IF’s Lounge in both Mbabane and Manzini keeps it mellow and magnetic with free-entry DJ nights tailored for the cool and cultured. And let us not forget the all-white affair at the Twinz Lounge Grand Opening, a fresh addition to Manzini’s nightlife, launching with a line-up hotter than your aunt’s spicy chakalaka.
Whether you are into soulful jazz, fiery amapiano, or a weekend of pure people-watching and posing, Luju and friends have your vibe covered.
And if you lose your voice from singing along or dancing too hard, consider it a small price for living your best life.
Today
Standard Bank Luju Festival
Where: House on Fire, Malkerns
Time: Gates open at 4 pm
Standard Bank Luju Festival is back and bringing the heat to Malkerns Country Club with a sensational weekend filled with rhythm, flavour and fashion.
This year’s edition is jam-packed with an exciting line-up featuring South African heavyweights TKZee, De Mthuda, Jazzworx and Thukuthela. Representing Eswatini’s finest are IYA, Khole, Diba Diba, Velemseni, and Sibu Manzini each promising an electrifying performance that blends local soul with global flair.
More than just a music event, Luju is a lifestyle celebration where food, fashion and heritage converge in a stunning countryside setting. Whether you are a lover of live music, a foodie, or a style enthusiast, the Luju experience delivers something for every creative heart.
Expect bold sounds, vibrant culture and a curated festival vibe that invites you to indulge, dance and connect.
Music. Culture. Style. Luju ignited.
Love Affairs
Where: Mdzimba View Shisanyama
Time: 6pm till late
Tickets: General E200 and VIP E350
Mdzimba View Shisanyama is set to turn up the heat with Love Affairs, a night dedicated to smooth sounds, fiery performances and unforgettable vibes. Headlining the show are South African sensations Mhaw Keys and Russel Zuma, bringing their signature styles and sultry amapiano grooves to the mountainside venue.
Holding it down on the home front are local crowd-favourites Sbu De Drum DJ, Zulu D, Lady Zee, Ayacity, and Sgitha, each ready to keep the energy high and the dance floor busy. Hosting the night with flair and flavour will be none other than MC Sintour, ensuring a seamless flow of music and moments.
Whether you are coming for the beats, the view, or the vibe, Love Affairs is where the rhythm of romance meets the pulse of the party.
Friday After work Groove
Where: IF’s Lounge, Mbabane
Time: From after work till late
Entrance: Free
IF’s Lounge is setting the vibe today with the Afterwork Groove the perfect way to slide into the weekend. Whether you are winding down or turning up, this chill-meets-hype night has you covered. Entertaining the crowd will be the smooth selectors: Sergy, M.P.H.O and Skeezy, each bringing their signature sounds to keep the energy flowing from the first sip to the last beat.
Tomorrow
Standard Bank Luju Festival – Day 2
Where: House on Fire, Malkerns
Time: Gates open at 4 pm – Event ends at 2 am
The Standard Bank Luju Festival continues in full swing tomorrow with a star-studded second day set to elevate the weekend even higher. Day 2 of the festival promises an unforgettable experience with performances by some of South Africa’s finest, including Siya Makuzeni Small, Buhlebendalo, Blaq Diamond, Tribal Natives and the legendary Hotstix.
Set against the lush backdrop of Malkerns Country Club, Luju is not just a music event, it is where sound, style and flavour meet. Come ready to dance, feast and vibe under the stars as Luju delivers another curated night of pure cultural magic.
Twinz Lounge Grand Opening
Where: Twinz Lounge, Manzini (Opposite Satellite Bus Rank)
Time: TBA
Tickets: Free Entry
Get ready for an epic celebration as Twinz Lounge throws open its doors for the grand opening and it is all going down in Manzini, right opposite the Satellite Bus Rank.
This is more than just a launch; it is a full-blown party experience with an all-star entertainment line-up to match.
Bringing the heat to the decks and stage are Matamza, Ayacity, Lady Zee, Maradona, Maphi, Expo, DJ Castle, Sno Love, and The Scientists, each bringing their unique flavour to kick-off the venue’s journey in style. Holding it down as MC for the night is none other than Nqaba, guaranteeing smooth energy and nonstop hype from start to finish.
The dress code is all white, so come clean, come sharp and ready to make memories. With good music, great vibes and free entry, the Twinz Lounge grand opening is the weekend move you don’t want to miss.
New spot. Fresh vibes. Twinz unlocked.
Saturday Nights at If’s Lounge
Where: If’s Lounge, Manzini
Time: Starts at 7 pm till late
Tickets: Free Entry
Saturday nights just got smoother at If’s Lounge Manzini, where the vibes are soulful, the music is rich and the entrance is absolutely free. This weekend, the lounge will be lit with a stellar line-up featuring Mistosoul, Skeezy, Acoustic Soul and Soulsticks each bringing their unique blend of rhythm and groove to elevate your Saturday experience.
Whether you are winding down or turning up, If’s Lounge offers the perfect setting to relax, connect, and vibe deep into the night.
Soulful sounds. Chill atmosphere. Saturdays unlocked.
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