Gin Gardens is returning to Sharma House in Ezulwini on October 3, with a 2026 programme that brings together live music, DJs, food, fashion and the wider lifestyle experience built around the festival.
The organisers have been gradually revealing this year’s line-up, with artists from Eswatini and South Africa joining the programme.
Among the announced performers is South African singer Nia Pearl, who is set to bring her music to the festival as part of the 2026 line-up.
Eswatini guitarist Sihlangu Sibiya will also perform with his band, adding a live instrumental element to the programme.
Other local names announced include DJ Tap and Sbu De Drum DJ, while Velemseni is also set to take the stage.
South African acts include Sino Msolo and Dusse Wavy, with Dusse Wavy announced as the first international act on this year’s line-up.
The organisers have also added DJs and producers to the programme, including Wordsmith Felix, whose sets move between Amapiano and Tech sounds.
Meawhile, the festival’s music programme will be accompanied by a wider lifestyle offering.
Playdoubt has been announced as the official Style Partner for Gin Gardens 2026, bringing fashion and design into the festival experience.
The partnership is intended to place more emphasis on how guests dress and express themselves while attending the event, with Playdoubt bringing its own approach to curated design and individual style.
Schweppes has also joined the festival as an official Event Partner.
The brand is expected to feature through refreshments and mixers during the event. The organisers have also announced comedian and presenter Mdura Dlamini as the official MC for the 2026 edition.
Mdura is expected to guide the programme alongside comedy elements, with the organisers also highlighting the involvement of MP Tfutfuka.
For patrons planning their day around the festival, the early bird ticket offer comes with an additional incentive.
People who purchase an early bird ticket can collect a complimentary bottle of Shelela Gin before the festival from Liquor Boutique at the Mbabane Industrial Site.
The organisers say ticket holders do not have to wait until the event itself to collect the bottle and can do so ahead of October 3.
The early bird offer is part of the festival’s build-up as more names and partnerships are announced.
Gin Gardens has positioned the 2026 event around a combination of music, food, fashion and drinks, with the garden setting at Sharma House providing the venue for the day.
The artist announcements have also created a mix of local and regional talent. Sihlangu Sibiya and his band bring a live performance element, while Velemseni adds her established soul sound to the programme.
DJ Tap, Sbu De Drum DJ and Wordsmith Felix represent the electronic and DJ side of the line-up.
The South African contingent adds another layer, with Nia Pearl, Sino Msolo and Dusse Wavy among the announced names.
For Eswatini audiences, the programme offers both familiar local performers and artists from across the border.
The festival’s organisers have not yet indicated that the full line-up has been revealed, with the rollout continuing through individual artist and partnership announcements.
Gin Gardens 2026 will take place on October 3, at Sharma House in Ezulwini. Alongside the performances, patrons can expect food, fashion, cocktails and brand activations throughout the day.
The festival is being presented as a lifestyle event rather than a music-only gathering, with its partnerships reflecting that approach.
Playdoubt’s involvement brings fashion and design into the programme, while Schweppes joins as an event partner and Shelela Gin remains central to the festival’s ticket promotion.
The combination gives Gin Gardens several different entry points for its audience. Some will come for the live performances.
Others will be drawn by the food, fashion, drinks or garden setting. For the organisers, those elements are being brought together under one event.
With the line-up continuing to take shape, Gin Gardens 2026 is now building towards its October date at Sharma House.
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