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There is something about arriving at an event while the sun is still out. I need to remind myself of that next time. The atmosphere feels relaxed, vendors are settling into the day, and festivalgoers are taking their time before the night's main attractions begin. That was the scene upon arrival at MoMo Xperience at around 4:30pm.

The first stop was the entrance, where ticket scanning was followed by security checks. Bags were searched, and alcohol was confiscated as necessary, while security personnel worked through the steady stream of people entering the venue. The process moved efficiently and set the tone for what would be a well-managed event.

Inside the venue, the food stalls were already attracting the biggest crowds. Braai stands, hotdog vendors and other food outlets remained busy as people grabbed something to eat before making their way around the grounds. Families were still present at this stage, with children moving freely around the venue while others gathered near the main stage.

On stage, digital creator Bantu Nots and comedian Ndosh kept the programme moving, interacting with the audience and maintaining the energy between performances. Although people continued to arrive throughout the afternoon, there was already enough activity around the venue to keep visitors occupied.

With winter firmly setting in, comfort appeared to be the dress code of choice. Tracksuits, hoodies and sneakers dominated the crowd, while only a handful of attendees opted for more elaborate looks, including a few well-put-together crochet outfits. Arriving later in the afternoon also meant missing much of the fashion crowd, as many of the standout looks had already filtered through by then.

Beyond the entertainment, several brands and businesses had set up stalls throughout the venue. From Clover and Sibebe to cake vendors and other exhibitors, there was plenty to explore between performances. One of the standout spaces was the Artists' Lounge, which was thoughtfully designed and among the best-presented areas on the festival grounds.

By 6pm, the atmosphere had changed noticeably. The winter chill had settled in, the crowd had grown significantly, and the venue was beginning to fill up. Several local artists had already taken to the stage by this point, keeping the audience entertained as anticipation built for the evening's headline acts.

As the night progressed, it became evident that the festival was using two performance areas. This allowed entertainment to continue across the venue while giving festivalgoers different experiences depending on where they chose to spend their time.

Like many large-scale events, the programme experienced delays and was running approximately two hours behind schedule. However, the adjustments appeared to be handled well, with organisers moving performances along without causing confusion among attendees. From an attendee's perspective, the programme continued to flow despite the revised timing.

The entertainment carried on well into the night, with DJs and live performers taking turns on stage as the crowd remained engaged. Even as temperatures dropped, very few people appeared eager to leave, choosing instead to stay for the music and the atmosphere that had steadily built throughout the day.

By the time the exit gates came into view shortly after 12:30am, the venue was still buzzing with activity. While no event is without its minor challenges, the overall experience remained organised from arrival to departure. From security and vendor activations to the entertainment and crowd management, the MoMo Xperience delivered a full day of activities that kept festivalgoers engaged from afternoon until after midnight.

......MBO and Bholoja take performance of the night

There was no shortage of talent on display at the MoMo Xperience. From local artists and DJs to regional acts, the line-up kept festivalgoers entertained throughout the day and into the early hours. Yet, two performances stood above the rest, well, at least for me, DJ MBO and Bholoja.

With the event running behind schedule, DJ MBO eventually took to the stage at around 11:40pm. Any concern about the delay quickly faded once his set got underway. For the next 45 minutes, he reminded the crowd why he remains one of Eswatini's most respected DJs.

His set was carefully put together, moving between timeless classics, current chart favourites and songs that immediately sparked nostalgia. Rather than relying on a single genre or era, MBO read the crowd's mood and adjusted accordingly. Every transition felt intentional, keeping the audience engaged from beginning to end.

There was little room for people to stand still. Groups sang along, danced with friends and cheered as familiar songs blended seamlessly into one another. It was a performance built on experience rather than spectacle, allowing the music to do most of the talking.

When MBO exited the stage, other DJs, including Bloss, Baybash, Gululami and Trending Twins, kept the energy alive, ensuring there was no drop in momentum throughout the programme.

Later in the evening, Bholoja stepped onto the stage to an enthusiastic reception. By then, the crowd had settled into the night, but the local musician quickly drew everyone's attention with a set that celebrated songs many people had grown up listening to.

Bholoja's performance relied less on elaborate stage production and more on his connection with the audience. Fans sang almost every word back to him, creating one of the evening's loudest sing-alongs. His musical catalogue brought together different generations, with younger fans enjoying the performance just as much as those who have followed his career for years.

His ability to move comfortably between upbeat moments and more heartfelt songs kept the audience engaged throughout his set. There was a genuine sense of familiarity in the crowd, with many treating the performance as an opportunity to relive memories attached to the music.

While the MoMo Xperience featured several memorable performances across its programme, DJ MBO and Bholoja delivered the sets that left the strongest impression. One kept the crowd moving with a carefully crafted mix of old and new favourites, while the other reminded festivalgoers why his music continues to resonate with audiences in Eswatini.

By the time both performances had ended, it was clear why they became talking points among many attendees. In a line-up filled with quality entertainment, DJ MBO and Bholoja delivered the performances of the night.