The much-anticipated event ‘The Return of Mfana WeBhova’ left many excited, drawing an enthusiastic crowd united by a shared love for the exhilarating sport of spinning.
Held on Saturday at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, the event was more than just a display of skill and horsepower: it was a celebration of community, passion, and the evolving culture around spinning, a sport that continues to captivate fans across Eswatini and beyond.
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From the moment engines revved and tyres screeched, the atmosphere was electrifying. Cars of all shapes and sizes took to the arena, each demonstrating their unique spin style.
The diversity of vehicles was impressive: sleek sedans performing graceful doughnuts, rugged SUVs showing raw power, and customised stanced cars gliding with precision and style. The crowd’s excitement peaked with each spin, each drift, each daring display of control and flair.
Mfana WeBhova, the event organiser and a spinning aficionado, made a heartfelt return after a significant break. “For me, this is our passion. We love cars, engine sounds, and the adrenaline that comes with spinning,” he shared. His journey with spinning began in childhood, inspired by watching South African spinners. “I decided, ‘No man, I can do this.’ I bought my first car and learned to spin,” he explained, his eyes gleaming with pride. The event was a testament to his dedication, drawing a large, diverse audience eager to witness the spectacle.
Fatboy, a veteran spinner from the Matsapha crew sponsored by Siyawli Scrapyard, also shared his perspective on the sport’s impact.
Having spent over 15 years spinning, Fatboy sees it as more than just entertainment it’s a positive influence on the youth. “We let children experience spinning to help get them off drugs,” he explained, addressing misconceptions about the sport. “Spinning is a sport just like any other,” he affirmed, advocating for greater support and recognition within the community.
The event also featured guests from South Africa, including Candy Crush, who brought a fresh perspective. She explained the concept of ‘Umdlalo Wamanzi’ a cultural spin style that means ‘showing off with one’s car’. Candy Crush shared how this style inspired her to break gender norms and “invade the male territory,” changing the narrative in a traditionally male-dominated sport. Her participation highlighted spinning’s growing inclusivity and the breaking down of barriers.
The camaraderie among spinning clubs was palpable. Kenny Shongwe from Club 009 revealed that the club attended the event after an invitation from Mfana WeBhova. They came with about 20 meticulously maintained cars, each ‘stance’ vehicle representing the club’s pride and unity. Kenny noted an interesting social dynamic: “Sometimes we call each other by our number plates,” a quirky nod to their shared passion and community spirit.
The sense of belonging and shared identity was a cornerstone of the event, reinforcing that spinning is as much about relationships and culture as it is about competitive prowess.
As engines cooled and the crowd dispersed, the buzz of the day lingered. Mfana WeBhova promised that the next edition would return sometime next year, fuelling anticipation and excitement. The event’s success underscored spinning’s vibrant place in Eswatini’s entertainment landscape, a sport that thrills, unites, and inspires.
With calls for inclusivity growing louder, especially from voices like Gabriel Mkhonta’s, the spinning community seems poised for a new chapter, one that welcomes all enthusiasts, regardless of ability. The roar of spinning cars at Mavuso was not just a sound of competition; it was a call for progress, passion, and shared joy.
‘The Return of Mfana WeBhova’ was a spectacular celebration of spinning’s diverse culture, from powerful stanced cars and daring spins to heartfelt calls for inclusion and youth empowerment. The energy at ‘The Return of Mfana WeBhova’ was infectious, and many attendees expressed their joy and admiration for the event.
Thandiwe Dlamini, a lifelong spinning fan, shared her excitement.
“I’ve been coming to spinning events for years, but this one felt special. The variety of cars and the skill on display was incredible. It’s great to see the community coming together like this.”
Sabelo Maseko, who brought his young son to experience the event, said: “I want my son to grow up loving spinning not just for the fun, but because it teaches discipline and passion. Events like these give children something positive to look up to.”
Lerato Nkambule, a first-time attendee, was impressed by the inclusivity and atmosphere:
“I didn’t know much about spinning before today, but seeing everyone so welcoming and the different styles of spinning really opened my eyes. I’m definitely coming back next year.”
These voices add to the rich tapestry of the event, reflecting how spinning continues to inspire and unite diverse groups of people.
