….Eswatini singer to debut new music alongside childhood icon Karyn White in Mozambique
For Velemiseni Ndzimandze, performing at the inaugural MOAFEST Divas in Mozambique is more than another international booking; it is a moment that confirms the growth and elevation she has been working towards.
The celebrated African soul singer is set to represent Eswatini at the festival next Friday, where she will share the stage with legendary American RnB singer Karyn White, South African stars Kelly Khumalo and, Mozambican powerhouse Lizha James and other acclaimed performers.
Eswatini will also be represented by DJ Cup, born Zama Welcome Maseko, who will take over the decks on Saturday.
For Velemiseni, however, the significance of the occasion is deeply personal. The singer says being selected as the only Eswatini female singer came as an unexpected but career-affirming moment, particularly because she has never performed in Mozambique as a solo artist.
“Being selected as the only Swazi singer at MOAFEST was honestly a surprise, but such a career-affirming moment because I have never performed in Mozambique as a solo artist,” she said.
The booking comes almost a year after she performed at the prestigious Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in South Africa, making September another important chapter in her musical journey.
“This time last year we were gearing up to perform at Joy of Jazz Festival. Now we are preparing for another major international festival, and I am excited to share our unique sound with our neighbours.”
For Velemiseni, the opportunity also represents the feeling of being gradually elevated onto a much bigger stage.
“It means a great deal to represent Eswatini on such a great platform. I feel that as an African artist, I am being raised to the global stage, and we are so ready.”
One of the biggest highlights for her will be sharing the stage with Karyn White, an artist whose music has been part of her life since childhood.
“Karyn White is one of those musical icons whose music we enjoyed growing up. Her songs paint memories of my childhood, and she has contributed to my musical journey. It is really special to be called to share the stage with such amazing artists.”
Velemiseni is equally excited about experiencing Mozambique and connecting with its audience for the first time as a solo performer.
“I know Mozambican people love and respect artists, and they are warm and lively people. I expect good food, interesting music and amazing weather.”
She is also hoping that emaSwati will make the trip across the border to support the country’s artists and create a strong presence in the audience.
“Swazi supporters should definitely make the trip. The pride we witness when other nationalities come to Bushfire is so powerful that we must experience that too. We must see those Swazi flags in the crowd.”
On stage, audiences can expect the soulful and guitar-driven sound that has become her signature, delivered with an energetic twist suited to the festival atmosphere.
“Our set will be a groovy African soul performance with unique sounds and a heavy guitar influence. The crowd can expect fun, sultry swaying energy.”
But Velemiseni is not travelling to Mozambique with only familiar material. She plans to use the international stage to introduce audiences to a new chapter of her music.
“I am brewing some new music, and I cannot wait to debut one of those songs on the MOAFEST stage. It echoes the celebratory energy that we are welcoming this spring.”
For the singer, the opportunity is further evidence that her career is moving in the direction she envisioned.
“These major bookings signify growth and elevation, exactly what we have been working towards.”
She says the journey has been particularly rewarding because she has not experienced the growth alone, but alongside a team of musicians spanning different generations.
“I am playing with a mix of young and senior Swazi musicians, and witnessing this growth together means the world to me. I am proud of what we have accomplished and grateful to emaSwati for the constant support.”
With MOAFEST now adding Mozambique to her growing list of international stages, Velemiseni is already looking ahead. She hopes to collaborate with more African artists, with Kelly Khumalo among her dream collaborators, while also exploring Mozambican music, singing in another African language and experimenting with different genres and instruments.
Ultimately, she wants her music to leave audiences with an emotional connection that extends beyond the performance itself.
“Our music is about hope, love and growth. I want people to feel seen and understood. I also want them to remember the magic we witnessed as children and find a moment of escape and freedom.”
Tickets for MOAFEST are available through Carrot Tickets.
