Makhadzi a tshisa Biggest Braai

......Answers Queen Mother's call, leaves fans wanting more

MANZINI – South African award-winning musician Makhadzi says it was a privilege to honour Her Majesty the Queen Mother's invitation by performing at the 10th edition of the Embiveni Biggest Braai, describing Eswatini as a place that always feels like home.

Speaking after her performance at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on Saturday night, the Limpopo-born star said the invitation carried special meaning and made her return to the Kingdom even more memorable.

Makhadzi said she never hesitated when she received the invitation, adding that the warmth she receives from emaSwati every time she visits is something she deeply appreciates.

She said performing in Eswatini always feels different because of the genuine love shown by her supporters, who continue to embrace her music and energy every time she takes the stage.

Thousands of people packed the venue for the 10th edition of the Embiveni Biggest Braai, with many waiting eagerly for Makhadzi's appearance. When she finally stepped onto the stage, the crowd responded with loud cheers as they sang along to some of her biggest songs.

Her set featured energetic dance routines, crowd interaction and the lively performance style that has made her one of Southern Africa's most sought-after entertainers. Fans remained on their feet throughout her performance, with many recording the moment on their mobile phones while others danced and sang along.

One of the biggest talking points of the evening came towards the end of her performance when she climbed onto one of the stage pillars before breaking into dance high above the stage. The unexpected stunt drew loud applause from the audience and became one of the defining moments of the festival.

Her performance formed part of a packed entertainment programme that featured local and regional artists, DJs and cultural performances throughout the day and into the night.

While music remains one of the biggest attractions of the Biggest Braai, organisers continue to emphasise that the event serves a much bigger purpose. Hosted annually by the Philani Maswati Charity Organisation, the Biggest Braai raises funds to support vulnerable children and elderly people across Eswatini. 

Over the past decade, the event has grown from a community gathering into one of the country's largest annual social and charity events, attracting thousands of visitors while helping improve the lives of those in need.

This year's event also celebrated the Biggest Braai's 10th anniversary, marking a decade of bringing together families, businesses, government leaders, artists and communities under one roof.

For many in attendance, Makhadzi's performance became one of the standout moments of the milestone celebration. Her acknowledgement of Her Majesty the Queen Mother's invitation added another layer of significance to an evening that celebrated not only music but also unity, generosity and national pride.

........Eswatini Artists deliver memorable performances at Biggest Braai

Music lovers were treated to an afternoon and evening of non-stop entertainment as local and regional artists kept thousands of people on their feet during the 10th edition of the Embiveni Biggest Braai at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre.

From the moment DJs took control of the decks until the final performance late into the night, the atmosphere reflected why the event has become one of Eswatini's biggest annual gatherings.

DJ Sgitha was among the first to get the party underway, drawing people closer to the stage as the grills continued to smoke across the venue. Before long, festival-goers had traded their seats for the dance floor as familiar songs echoed around the grounds.

DJ Culolami kept the momentum going, while DJ Obsession ensured the energy never dipped as revellers sang along and danced well into the night. Local artists also had their moment in the spotlight.

Young Zesh received one of the loudest receptions of the afternoon when he performed his hit song Kakhoza. Fans sang every word back to him as he moved across the stage, proving once again why he remains one of Eswatini's favourite young performers.

M Nation followed with an energetic set that had the audience dancing from beginning to end. Their performance showcased the strength of local talent and demonstrated why organisers continue to create a platform for home-grown artists alongside regional stars.

South African Maskandi artist Feza Langa then took the stage and immediately connected with the crowd. Thousands joined him in singing his popular songs, transforming the venue into one giant choir. His performance celebrated African music while bringing together fans from different backgrounds through a shared love of Maskandi.

The night's headline act, Makhadzi, closed the entertainment programme with a performance that many described as one of the biggest highlights of the event. Backed by her dancers, she delivered hit after hit before surprising the crowd by climbing onto one of the stage structures and dancing from above.

The performance drew loud cheers and marked a memorable end to a full day of entertainment.

While the music attracted thousands to Mavuso, organisers reminded attendees that the Biggest Braai is built on more than entertainment. Hosted by the Philani Maswati Charity Organisation, the annual event raises funds for vulnerable children and elderly citizens while promoting unity and creating opportunities for local businesses and artists. Every ticket sold contributes towards that charitable mission. 

......Prime Minister wants Biggest Braai in  Guinness World Record 

Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini believes the Embiveni Biggest Braai has the potential to earn a place in the Guinness World Records as it continues to grow into one of Eswatini's biggest national events.

Addressing thousands of people during the 10th edition of the Biggest Braai at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, the Prime Minister said the event had outgrown its beginnings and now deserved international recognition.

He said the dream was to see the Biggest Braai recognised globally through the Guinness World Records, describing it as an event that continues to unite emaSwati while showcasing the country's ability to host large-scale gatherings.

The Prime Minister also praised Philani Maswati Charity Organisation and its leadership for growing the event over the past decade.

He said each edition had become bigger than the last, adding that the organisation had remained committed to improving lives through charity while bringing people together in celebration.

He commended organiser Philani Maswati for supporting vulnerable members of society through initiatives inspired by Her Majesty the Queen Mother's vision of caring for those in need.

The Biggest Braai has become one of the organisation's flagship fundraising events, with proceeds supporting vulnerable children and elderly citizens across Eswatini. Organisers say the event also creates business opportunities for local vendors while promoting tourism, culture and entertainment.

This year's edition attracted thousands of people from across the country and neighbouring South Africa. Families, businesses, government officials and artists gathered at the Mavuso Trade Centre to celebrate what has become a fixture on Eswatini's annual events calendar.

The Prime Minister's attendance also marked another milestone for the Biggest Braai. Before the event, he had encouraged emaSwati to support the initiative, describing it as a celebration of unity, generosity and community spirit.

His call for Guinness World Records recognition was welcomed by many in attendance, who applauded as he shared his vision for the future.

As the Biggest Braai celebrated its tenth anniversary, organisers said they would continue building the event while remaining focused on its charitable purpose.

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.......Biggest Braai backs Manzini's vibrant city status claim proudly

The thousands of people who filled the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on Saturday provided organisers with what they believe is proof that Manzini deserves recognition among Africa's busiest and most vibrant cities.

During the 10th edition of the Embiveni Biggest Braai, organisers pointed to the massive crowds, long queues, packed parking areas and lively atmosphere as evidence of the city's growing reputation.

"When we say we are amongst the top five most vibrant cities in Africa, people ask for proof. Biggest Braai 2026 is that proof," read a social media post from Manzini Municipality.  

Throughout the day, the venue buzzed with activity. Families gathered around braai stands, entrepreneurs sold food, clothing and locally made products, while children enjoyed entertainment areas set up around the venue. Music performances, exhibitions, fashion showcases and sporting activities ensured there was something for everyone.

The event also attracted visitors from neighbouring countries, helping boost business for traders and exposing local products to a wider audience.

For small business owners, the Biggest Braai represented more than a social gathering. Many vendors reported brisk business as thousands moved through the venue, supporting local entrepreneurs while enjoying the day's activities. Organisers have long maintained that one of the event's objectives is to create economic opportunities for small businesses in addition to raising funds for charity.

The Biggest Braai is organised annually by the Philani Maswati Charity Organisation in support of vulnerable children and elderly citizens. Over the years it has grown from a community braai into a national lifestyle event that combines entertainment, culture, business and philanthropy.

This year's celebration marked the event's tenth anniversary, bringing together government leaders, artists, businesses and members of the public under one roof.

Whether or not Manzini can officially claim a place among Africa's most vibrant cities remains open to interpretation. However, for those who attended the Biggest Braai, the crowds, energy and sense of community offered organisers a strong example of what the city is capable of hosting.

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Retirements steal spotlight during Biggest Braai Boxing

The boxing exhibition at the 10th edition of the Embiveni Biggest Braai produced unexpected drama as two bouts ended through retirements, leaving spectators with plenty to talk about.

One of the day's most anticipated contests was the rematch between Shodi and Linda 'Inceku' Mtsetfwa.

The fight had barely settled before signs emerged that Inceku was struggling. After only a few exchanges, he appeared reluctant to continue as officials and those around the ring tried to encourage him to carry on.

Moments later, the fight came to an early end. Addressing spectators after retiring from the contest, Inceku apologised to supporters for the outcome.

He explained that although doctors had cleared him to return to the ring, he realised during the fight that he had not fully recovered from his previous injury. The crowd responded with applause as he thanked supporters for understanding his decision.

The women's exhibition bout also ended unexpectedly. Thulile Dlamini successfully defended her exhibition title after Bongiwe Dlamini retired during the second round.

Bongiwe left the ring before the contest could continue and later admitted she had not prepared adequately for the fight.

The result handed Thulile her third consecutive Biggest Braai exhibition title, cementing her place as the competition's dominant boxer.

Although supporters had hoped to see both contests go the distance, the boxing programme still drew large crowds, with fans gathering around the ring throughout the afternoon.

The exhibition added another attraction to an event that combined sport, music, culture and food in one venue.

Beyond the entertainment, organisers reminded attendees that the Biggest Braai exists to support a greater cause. Hosted by the Philani Maswati Charity Organisation, the event raises funds for vulnerable children and elderly people while promoting unity and creating opportunities for local businesses and community organisations.

When the final bell sounded, attention shifted back to the main stage, but the dramatic retirements ensured the boxing exhibition remained one of the day's most talked-about moments.