Rap phenomenon, Ntate Stunna, is set to headline the highly anticipated Makoti Festival at Malkerns Country Club in Eswatini on April 26.
The festival promises a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community empowerment.
More than just a music festival, this annual event serves as a platform dedicated to uplifting women and fostering cultural exchange across the Southern African region.
Organizers of the Makoti Festival revealed during a media launch held in Maseru on Friday that the Sesotho Fashioneng rapper will be one of the headline artists to entertain revelers at the festival.
Makoti Festival executive Nomathemba Xaba expressed excitement about Ntate Stunna’s participation.
“His performance will elevate Basotho culture on an international stage and showcase Lesotho’s rich heritage to a diverse audience, and for this, we are excited to have him as one of the headline acts for this year’s edition,” Xaba said.
The festival has a history of spotlighting Lesotho’s musical talent, having previously featured artists such as Mavele, Tash, DJ Mekonko, and DJ Tseko, who are now part of the event as resident DJs. It serves as a cultural melting pot, attracting attendees from Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and Mozambique, all gathering to celebrate married women.
Xaba stated that their primary goal is to create a space where women, particularly married women—known as makoti—can celebrate their cultural identity while also engaging in conversations around empowerment and economic independence. Through music, art, and entrepreneurship, the festival aims to inspire and support women in various aspects of their lives.
Beyond music, the Makoti Festival is committed to fostering a supportive network for entrepreneurs and local artists. The event will host a variety of activities, including workshops, networking sessions, and marketplace opportunities for women-led businesses and artisans.
Organisers believe that economic empowerment is a key factor in strengthening women’s roles in society, and they are determined to provide a platform where women can thrive.
“Makoti Festival is not just about entertainment; it’s about celebrating and empowering women while embracing the diverse cultures that make Southern Africa unique,” said Xaba at the event’s media launch.
“This festival provides a space for women to connect, share experiences, and support each other in a way that transcends borders.”
The festival continues to attract attendees from across the region, including Eswatini, South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and Mozambique. This gathering of cultures underscores the event’s broader mission of unity and mutual appreciation among Southern African communities.
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