The Kitchen stage set alight at Guba Farm

MBABANE – Guba Farm in Malkerns was once again a hive of activity last Saturday, as it hosted the first installment of the Makers Market this year in collaboration with The Kitchen.

The event started at am Zith local artisans setting up their stalls and it ran through to pm. The .itchen is a collaboration betZeen local creatives Zho are focused on fostering spaces for art in the .ingdom of (sZatini. $ccording to +anZah, one of the co founders of The .itchen, the concept Zas birthed in as a house party on Guba )arm Zith a focus on live music and Mam sessions, Zith the intention of artists getting together and having a space to netZork and perform.

Guba on the other hand is a per maculture training center that focuses on sustainable approaches to agriculture and beyond. The concept Zas birthed by +anZah in collaboration Zith 6i]o +lophe and 0meli +lan]e of $ntidote, and together they explored the idea in the house party format for a couple of years.

Permaculture

$fter some time of hiberna tion, permaculture diploma hold er 0landvo 0asuku Moined and brought life back into the concept.

$ccording to +anZah, The .itchen greZ into a more estab lished stage in collaboration Zith Guba¶s initiative µThe 0akers 0arket¶ an opportunity for farmers and artisans associated Zith Guba and The .itchen to market their produce.

³The .itchen is recognised in the country for its obMective curation. :e are closely connected to the scene here and make an effort to interact Zith the groZing subcul tures in the country. :e Zalk a line betZeen developing young artists, supporting the interpretation of their sound ready for the stage and sourcing established artists too,´ said the artist.

The artist Zent on to mention that The .itchen is still a very grass roots organisation, run by creatives and that the aim is to create a play ing ground for all those involved. ³$rtists that Zork Zith us under stand that this is a collective effort and contribute to the Mourney. To get involved, come to our shoZs, help us carry the load,´ she added. 6he further encouraged interested artists to get in touch Zith the team on social media.

To reiterate the power of collaborations, the band welcomed rapper AyZee (L) who joined Swiss (R) for a performance. The two artists took turns showcasing their rapping skills while the band played melodies in the background.

(Pic: Mlondzi Nkambule) Local crafts, food and organic produce retailers had a number of stalls at the market, where attendees bought things during the course of the event.

The band also welcomed rapper and Creative Director StatiQue who performed for patrons under the Guba Farm trees.