eSwatini: Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival shares 2025 programme

Anchored by its theme A Return to the African Future, Luju 2025 continues its tradition of celebrating the continent’s rich musical, culinary and creative excellence in a sophisticated, family-friendly setting.

The festival’s diverse musical offering spans genres including jazz, soul, amapiano, Afro-pop and electronic music, with headline acts drawn from across Southern Africa.

South Africa’s platinum-selling duo Blaq Diamond, former The Soil vocalist Buhlebendalo Mda, and legendary hitmakers TKZee lead this year’s line-up. Fans can also look forward to performances by Lady Zamar, known for her signature blend of house and R&B; Nomfundo Moh, who blends trap-soul with isiZulu lyricism; and the iconic Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse.

Other South African talents include jazz pianist Andile Yenana, Afro-soul artist Phila Dlozi, trombonist Siya Makuzeni, amapiano producer De Mthuda, soul artist Lwah Ndlunkulu, genre-bending singer Lordkez, and the high-energy duo Jazzworx & Thukuthela.

From Mozambique, Xixel Langa brings her electrifying Afro-soul performance to eSwatini, while the host country will be represented by top artists including Sands, Tendaness, Ndumz, Tribal Natives, iYA, and electronic maestro Sibu Manzini, who will collaborate with a host of renowned local artists such as Velemseni, Diba Diba, Qibho Intalektual, Bholoja, Khole and Zinia. Other notable eSwatini acts include The Feather Dusters, Themba Mdlalose & Prosper Makhanya, and Umsamo we Culture.

Culinary excellence

Complementing the music is a rich culinary programme exploring the theme ‘The Forgotten Seeds’, which delves into sustainable food practices and indigenous knowledge.

South African food advocate Onezwa Mbola, foraging expert Roushanna Gray, and wine specialist Saskia Lesch will headline cooking demonstrations and workshops. A special collaboration between renowned ceramicist Andile Dyalvane and traditional food chef Mrwetyana Zukisani will present a clay silo cooking experience, blending culinary artistry with cultural storytelling.

Fashion showcase

Fashion will also take centre stage, with celebrated designer Thula Sindi showcasing a new collection and sharing insights on scaling African fashion globally. The Mastercard Luju Fashion Show will spotlight designers from Eswatini, including Kwenzie Zwane (Black Degree), Seluliwe Mdluli (Crochet by Selu), Maureen Massingue (Kotini Kouture), Nothando Dlamini (Rose Peti), Madoda Vilakati (Ruff Cut), Fortunate Mdluli (Kayses Creations), and Sthembile Masuku (The House of Dandy), in collaboration with Dala Spaces.

Tickets to the festival are available here, as well as through the Unayo Marketplace on WhatsApp and selected Standard Bank branches in Mbabane, Ezulwini and Manzini.