WITH MTN Bushfire out of the way, now comes in the annual Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival.
It is said where mzansi is involved- they take over the city!
Scheduled from August 1 to 2 August 2026 at the iconic House On Fire in the scenic Malkerns Valley, a jam packed line has been curated by the organisers.
Celebrating its 8th edition- SA’s and worlds’ exponents will provide entertainment, culinary exploits, high-end fashion, Afrocentric music and wholesome family-friendly entertainment for everyone, kiddies included.
At the launch recently in Jozi, it was confirmed the likes of Grammy Award-winning artist Zakes Bantwini, Zola 7, Mandisi Dyantyis, Shwi Mantombazanewill honour generations of Zulu musical storytelling through a performance steeped in tradition,Nasty C and Amapiano hitmaker TMan Xpress, will thrill the fans.
Back from obscurity is award-winning duo Liquideep, who are busy with performances in SA, promises to take fans back to nostalgic moments at the fest.
Carrying Hugh Masekela’s fire forward, the Masekela Band, the touring ensemble drawn from the final 15 years of Hugh Masekela’s career are part of the line-up, so isWONDERboom, The Kyle Shepherd trio (to deliver a tribute to celebrated South African composer and pianist Abdullah Ibrahim) and duo Circles & Squares, that will weave together bossa nova, house, disco, and broken beat into a highly eclectic set.
Also expect the heartfelt folk-country storytelling of Wandile Mbambeni, the genre-blurring artistry of Johannesburg-based flautist, composer and vocalist Vuyo Viwe, alongside the soulful blend of African soul, jazz and contemporary R&B from Thando Zide; whereas Mzukisi Mbane of Imprint South Africa is the headlining designer leading the regional fashion showcase on the Luju Fashion Runway, as well as Coco & J and Chef Mmabatho Molefe, who will join this year’s regional setup.
For the first time in the event’s history, Luju expands into a full 2-day experience under its founding philosophy, ‘A Return to the African Future’.
The fashion programme embraces the theme Kwasukasukela (Once Upon a Time), inviting designers to celebrate African storytelling through contemporary design.
The launch further aligns with Standard Bank’s longstanding commitment to arts and culture development across Africa, including its support of platforms such as the Standard Bank Young Artist Awards, which recognize and nurture exceptional emerging talent and provide pathways for artistic growth, visibility and career advancement.
‘Through this engagement, Standard Bank South Africa further champions creativity, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange while strengthening connections between South African and regional creative ecosystems’ read the media statement.
Luju has become a platform for regional economic development, in that in 2025, the festival generated E2.7 million in sales for 103 SME traders, 85% of whom were local businesses, highlighting the important role that the creative industries play in stimulating tourism, supporting entrepreneurship, creating employment and driving inclusive economic growth.
The wider House On Fire festival ecosystem has similarly demonstrated the value of investing in culture, with independent research showing an annual contribution of more than E121 million to Eswatini’s economy while supporting over 2,300 jobs.
Tickets and accommodation details can be obtained at: www.lujufestival.com
Image MassMedia (Zola 7 and J’Something seen at the launch in Jozi, form part of the line-up at this years’ Standard Bank Luju festival, from August 1 to 2, 2026 at the popular House On Fire in the scenic Malkerns Valley, eSwatini.)
