Thrills, fashion at 4th Luju Festival launch

MBABANE – The setting was scenic and the guests were all smiles at the Luju Festival launch on Thursday evening held at the House on Fire.

The unique celebration of taste, smell, sight and sound of Eswatini and surrounding, the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival was named to be a sensory experience unlike any other.

The fourth edition of the festival will be held on September 30 to October 1 this year at House on Fire.

Celebrating the diverse taste, smell and flavors of Southern Africa with an authentically African rooted programme; the festival will feature cooking demos and master-classes by seasoned chefs in the region.

It will also feature the best in African fashion, design and art, as well as music and comedy performances by artists from Eswatini, South Africa and beyond.

The launch of the event had a wide variety of performances and entertainment from Karly B on the decks. Singer, songwriter Msimisi also graced the stage and gave a brief performance and a glamorous fashion show that showcased a few items that resembled this year’s fashion theme.

Diversity

Also in the line-up was hair evolution, and the diversity in the food that would b e served this year. Attendees were all served with food that would be showcased at the festival. Sasha Thorne took to the stage and spoke about the emphasis on culture that they will have this year.

Thorne said in this year’s edition the festival would feature the origins and diversity in the foods that originate from this land, Africa. She elaborated that it was important and beneficiary for the people to eat what was from their own land.

The Luju ethos is ‘A Return to the African Future’, which pays homage to Africa’s beauty and style, through all our senses, from the past to the present and to the future.

Heritage

It’s a journey of the senses, a reimagination of the African people’s heritage, and a sneak preview of the design innovations of tomorrow.

The showcase featured looks from the House of Diva, EMC Studios, Monte Couture and Gonian Republik. The crowd was certainly thrilled as the models had definitely brought their A game.

This year the festival added glamping to the experience, (camping in style) so attendees can stay safely on site in luxury.

Luju style with exclusive glam-camping facilities or ready erected tent options! Rush Adventures glamping offers stylish tent hotel accommodation close to the main arena of the Luju Festival.

With a private walk-in tent, comfy twin beds, linen, chairs and tables, en suite shower and toilet, as well as breakfast, this is a one of a kind ultimate camping experience right on the festival’s doorstep, saving you from driving anywhere.

All Out Africa has a variety of two-person ready erected tent options next to the Luju arena, including the Beehive Camp as well as The Canvas Camp, situated in a shaded forest area. A limited number of larger Canvas Camp tents with power points are also available.

(Pics: Nombuso Dlamini) Singer Mandisa striking a pose on the ramp.

(Pics: Nombuso Dlamini) The section of the crowd glued to the entertainment at the Luju festival launch.

This look incorporated casual and a formal look with red, yellow and lime African printed pants, yellow T-shirt and black blazer.

This male model was smooth on the ramp during the fashion show.

Karly B on the decks at the Luju Festival launch on Thursday.

This model rocked a retro black blazer, with floral embroidery and black army boots.

This outfit incorporated a pink, blue and yellow printed blazer with a white skirt with tassles and gold strapped heels.

This model wowed the crowd with a cat walk and her outfit certainly fit the bill, with the black lace skirt and black crop, topped with a cat’s ears headband.

This outfit by the House of Diva, an African print dress was accessorised with purple earrings and a peach and black bag.

(Pics: Nombuso Dlamini) Show stopper, this model’s hair resembled the fashion theme, ‘hairvolution’.

Model Sifiso Nxumalo rocked a two-piece set.

This look was inspired by the traditional liSwati wife attire, ‘sidziya’.

This model rocked a different shades of green dress.

This model definately worked the runway in an African inspired print from head to toe. The yellow and blue number was paired with a gold belt.

This model looked like a scene out of a movie as she rocked the ramp in a green bodycon with lace detailed overlay skirt outfit.

Musical sensation Msimisi Sithole captured on stage.

House on Fire Marketing Manager Bongani Dlamini captured giving his remarks.

Sasha Thorne making her remarks on stage on Thursday evening.