The Kingdom of Eswatini is set to host the 3rd edition of the Africa Youth Orchestra Festival (AYOF 2025) from October 9–11, 2025, taking place at the TLC Events Centre (The Luke Commission). This three-day festival is poised to be a vibrant showcase of cultural exchange, world-class musical performances, and youth empowerment. The event aims to inspire, train, and connect Africa’s next generation of musicians.
Organized by the Africa Ntjilo Institute of Empowerment Music and Art, AYOF is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a dynamic platform for cultural harmony that unites young people, teachers, and communities through the universal language of music. The festival’s core vision is to provide high-quality music education and equal access to cultural opportunities for all.
The 2025 programme features a rich and diverse lineup of activities, catering to both participants and the public:
• Day 1 (Thursday, October 9): The festival kicks off with an Opening Ceremony and a Think Tank session. Attendees will be treated to Busking Performances, a lively display of Swazi Traditional Dance, and a captivating Taekwondo Performance. An International Food Court will offer a taste of global flavours. The day culminates in the official Opening Concert at the TLC Events Centre.
• Day 2 (Friday, October 10): This day is heavily focused on education and collaboration. The programme includes a Master Class and a Workshop, alongside Music Education School Presentations. The highlight of the day is the Musical Gala Concert, which promises to be a spectacular showcase of young talents and international guests.
• Day 3 (Saturday, October 11): The final day includes a BM Competition Awarding and Mini Concert, followed by more Music Education School Presentations. The festival concludes with the much anticipated FINALE CONCERT, a grand orchestra performance featuring all participating musicians.
A Focus on Music Education and Professional Development
Beyond the main performances, AYOF 2025 places a strong emphasis on music education. The festival provides dedicated sessions designed for both students and teachers, ensuring the impact extends far beyond the stage. Teachers can attend presentations on Music History from the Ancient Period to Modern and Contemporary periods and receive an Introduction to the Instruments of the Orchestra, complete with live demonstrations by professional musicians. A unique feature is the Experiential Learning session with the Tin Whistle, an easy-to-learn instrument that teachers can use in their classrooms.
For students, the festival offers an Interactive Music Session. They will learn about the basic elements of music such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and tempo through fun activities. Just like the teachers, students will also get an introduction to the different families of orchestral instruments, with live examples of how they work together. The programme also includes an Experiential Music Activity where students can join a rhythm circle and try simple instruments, promoting hands-on learning. The full festival package for students is E200 and E400 for teachers, and these prices include lunch and a concert ticket.
Community and Cultural Significance
Speaking on the significance of the festival, Mongezi Simelane, Head of the Mbabane Chamber Orchestra, said: “AYOF is not just about concerts, it’s about building bridges across cultures and giving our young musicians the chance to see what is possible through discipline, collaboration, and creativity. For Eswatini, hosting this festival means inspiring the next generation to dream bigger and play louder on the global stage.” The festival’s vision is to celebrate culture, unity, and hope through music.
With performances by local and international musicians, rich cultural showcases, and interactive learning, AYOF 2025 is set to become one of the most vibrant celebrations of music and youth empowerment on the continent. The event is a unique opportunity for students to discover the joy of music through active learning and for teachers to gain practical tools to enrich their classrooms.
Tickets are available for purchase at
Alliance Française (Mbabane) and Mugg & Bean (Gables). For inquiries, you can contact
ntjilomarketing@gmail.com or call +268 7838 1790. For more information, you can visit the official website,
www.africantjilo.com , or follow @africantjilo on YouTube and other social media platforms.
