House Musiq Fest (HMF) has launched a new lineup voting system for its 2026 edition, marking a first for the festival which, allows fans to take part in selecting artists through a structured prediction and voting by dialing a USSD code.
This concept gives house music supporters based in Eswatini, the loyal house heads, the opportunity to influence who performs at the festival rather than only receiving a final lineup announcement.
According to Mthunzi ‘Shadow’ Zwane, festival director, the approach reflects confidence in the festival’s audience.
“This is about trusting the people who support house music, they understand the sound and the culture that HMF stands for, and so their input matters to us.”
The system covers several categories, including predicting international performers, South African deep and afro house selectors , as well as voting for local trusted house spinners from Eswatini. Voting is done through a USSD platform that works on any mobile phone, with each vote costing E1.
HMF has traditionally been among the first large-scale, music events to open Eswatini’s entertainment calendar, with other festivals and concerts usually announced later in the year. By launching its 2026 campaign early and introducing this new model, the festival continues its role in setting the tone for the season.
The competition also creates opportunities for local artists. The most-voted Eswatini DJs in each category will secure performance slots at House Musiq Fest 2026. In addition, the participant whose predictions most closely match the final lineup will win an all-expenses-paid VIP experience at the festival, including tickets, accommodation, and hospitality access.
Voting opened on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, and will close on Wednesday, 4 February 2026. Entries can be submitted using the official USSD code *384*7355#.
Through this initiative, House Musiq Fest is testing a new approach to lineup selection while maintaining its position as a key event on Eswatini’s music calendar.
