The Dusk2Dawn NYE experience will take place at the multi-field Manzini Club on December 31, running from Wednesday afternoon into the early hours of New Year’s Day, bringing together multiple music genres, four stages and a midnight fireworks display.
The event moves away from the traditional single-genre concert model and instead adopts a festival-style format that allows audiences to move freely between four stages, each offering a distinct sound and atmosphere.
From sunset to sunrise
Dusk2Dawn will begin at 3PM on Wednesday, December 31, and conclude at 6AM on Thursday, January 1, 2026. According to organisers, the extended timing was carefully planned with safety as a priority.
“We wanted an event where people arrive while it is still daylight and leave when it is safer to move around,” said event director Mthunzi ‘Shadow’ Zwane. “Entertainment should never come at the expense of people’s safety.”
The moment of transition into the New Year will be marked by a fireworks showcase at midnight, before the celebrations continue into the early morning hours.
A four-stage crossover
A defining feature of the event is its four-stage layout, designed to cater to different musical tastes and age groups within one venue. The setup reflects the diversity of Eswatini’s music audience and the growing appetite for large-scale, multi-genre events.
The Main Stage, also referred to as the Youth Stage, will host high-energy performances focused mainly on Amapiano and Hip Hop. Headliners on this stage include KindlyNxsh, Mdu aka TRP, Grixxly and WassaBee. They will be supported by a wide selection of local selectors, including Wordsmith Felix, Miss T, The Best Duo, Teesto, Chantel, Acoustic Soul, Maphi, Rekorder, Mzoro, Prefect, Bobstar and Tilungu.
The House Stage will focus on deep house, afro house and underground sounds. Headliners include !Sooks, D.General, V.Underground and OddXperienc. Other selectors scheduled to appear on this stage include Vasco & De Dang, The Bishop, Selby, Cece, Mthizo, Tibza, Tharo, Bandzi, Fantacy, The Scientists, Mbo and Expo.
For those seeking a more relaxed and nostalgic experience, the Grootman Stage will feature mostly old-school sounds, with a strong focus on Kwaito. Artists on this stage include Ntombs DJ, Master P, Di Dang, MK and Macdeep, creating a space for laid-back listening and classic selections.
The fourth platform is the Gospel Stage, which will run as an all-night crusade alongside the party stages. Performers include Sphiwo Ndoni, Linda Dlamini, Nelly Siwela, and Shongwe ne Khuphuka, offering an alternative spiritual experience during the crossover into the New Year.
“Having four stages allows people to choose how they experience the night,” Zwane said. “It reflects the diversity of music culture in the country and creates space for everyone.”
Tickets and entry
Tickets are available through Computicket, all Shoprite stores nationwide and at the gate on the day of the event. Early bird prices are set at E150 for general access and E400 for VIP, while gate prices are E200 and E500 respectively. Entry with an empty cooler box is free.
One ticket grants access to all stages, allowing attendees to move freely between performances. The event will operate on a cashless system using coupons for purchases inside the venue. Food and drinks will be sold at standard prices, and no outside food or beverages will be allowed.
Security arrangements
Organisers have outlined extensive safety measures, including thorough searches at entry points, armed security stationed throughout the venue and car park, and security personnel remaining on site until the last person leaves.
An hourly shuttle service between town and the venue will also be provided to reduce the risk associated with driving under the influence and late-night travel.
“People must feel safe from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave,” Zwane said. “That is a responsibility we take seriously.”
Growing scale of local events
The scale and structure of Dusk2Dawn reflect a growing shift towards larger, more diverse entertainment experiences in Eswatini. By combining multiple genres, extended hours and strong safety planning, the event positions itself as a significant addition to the local entertainment calendar.
Further details are available on Swazi Boy Entertainment and Dusk2Dawn social media platforms, or through the event’s main contact line on 7870 5126.
