The official opening of the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) brought music to the centre stage yesterday, with South African performers Mduduzi Ncube and Simmy leading a programme that also featured several local acts.
Ncube opened his set at the Mavuso Trade Centre Sports Ground at about 11:30am, quickly drawing the audience in with his energetic stage presence.
Moving between different sections of the stands, the South African singer performed some of his popular songs, including “Ngeke Ngimyeke” and “Isigici”, with the crowd joining in on the lyrics.
His performance continued after the arrival of Their Majesties King Mswati III and the Queen Mother, when Ncube was invited to perform before them.
He performed several of his songs, including “Dear Ex Yami”, as members of the audience sang along and raised their hands in response to the performance.
During his set, Ncube told the audience that Eswatini was now home, referencing his repeated visits and the reception he has received from local fans.
Speaking after the performance, the singer said he was excited to have performed before the King and expressed appreciation for the support from the Eswatini audience.
Ncube also moved into the stands during his performance, interacting with fans who took photographs and recorded videos with him.
He is known for his Afro-pop and Afro-soul music and gained wider recognition after becoming the first artist signed to South African rapper Big Zulu’s Inkabi Records.
Simmy followed with a performance that had the audience singing along to her songs, including “Ubala”, featuring Sun-El Musician, and “Ngiyesaba”.
The singer performed in high-heeled boots before removing them midway through the set, telling the audience she had not expected to perform in a stadium setting.
She completed the performance barefoot, maintaining the pace of her set as she moved through her repertoire.
Like Ncube, Simmy interacted with fans following her performance and spoke positively about the reception she received in Eswatini.
The South African singer and songwriter is known for a musical style drawing from neo-soul, neo-folk, electronic and Afro-house influences.
Local performers were also part of the opening programme, with gospel artist Linda Dlamini delivering a performance that had sections of the audience dancing and singing along.
Dlamini performed songs including “iThomoyi” and “Chwechwe”, accompanied by the Tende sound.
Her set combined gospel music with her established dance style, with members of the audience responding to the performance throughout.
The programme also featured local artists M Nation and Histo, while Young Zesh performed before Their Majesties during the opening celebrations.
The inclusion of local performers alongside established South African acts provided a platform for Eswatini artists to perform before the large audience gathered for the official opening.
The performances formed part of the programme surrounding the official opening of the 58th EITF, which is being held under the theme “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion”.
With the Trade Fair continuing over the coming days, entertainment remains part of the wider programme, alongside the exhibition activities bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs and exhibitors.
