eSwatini: Luju Food and Lifestyle Fest off to flying start

Unlike any other event in the region, Luju was a true African celebration. Nusoulhub Radio said about the event: “The inaugural Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival was a delightful sensory and delectable experience with a feast of lavish music and finest food.

"The festival attracted thousands of music, food and fashion enthusiasts from all walks of life and different ages with a majority of them adhering to the African Vintage theme.

"It was indeed a blissful and well-coordinated event with a stunning set-up complimenting the lawns of the House on Fire sculpture garden and the endless cane fields and rolling hills. Every person was in a jovial mood and why wouldn’t you be, as there were countless forms of entertainment (salsa, wheelchair basketball, bike riding, wine tasting, just to mention a few), a number of stalls, fully stocked bar and the amazing food garden to fill one’s insatiable desire.”

Food activations from the much-loved J’Something were a huge hit. "Eswatini showed me and my band so much love. I enjoyed every minute of Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival. Really world class!" the Mi Casa frontman said.

A large Swazi contingent was represented at the trader space, food garden and Design Café, brining diversity the festival. The Design Café featured vintage fashion as well as contemporary and mid-century photography and art.

Some of the tastes on offer included Ethiopian cuisine, African regional dishes, sushi, braai and of course local traditional food. Pete Goffe-Wood's braai activation in partnership with Big Game Parks was a major attraction. Big Game Parks' relationship with Goffe-Wood will now continue through training initiatives as well new additions to their menu. The Big Game Parks team was especially impressed with Goffe-Wood' own take on well-known dishes.

Festivalgoers also enjoyed a range of craft gin, vodka and beer, as well as unforgettable South African wines. Eighteen13 Boutique Wine Shop was on site with South Africa’s first Black female winemaker, Ntsiki Biyela, who was named Woman Winemaker of the Year in 2009.

"The festival was amazing, definitely an authentic representation of African lifestyle," she said. "It is a must-attend festival, the experience was worth the journey and beyond."

The great atmosphere went long into the night with performances from Mi Casa, Albert Frost and the Rebirth of Cool, among others. But it was a powerful performance from Thandiswa Mazwai that was the highlight of the night. Her words of support for women and her moving tribute to Winnie Mandela had the entire audience quietly spellbound.

The inaugural Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival exceeded expectations and has secured its place on the region’s events calendar.