Africa-Press – Eswatini. Three days to go before Eswatini honours Peter Tosh with music, healing, and unity.
The countdown is on, only three days remain before the inaugural Buntfu Love Festival bursts to life on Saturday, 5 July 2025 at Polar Rest & Bar in Mpolonjeni, just outside Siteki. Organised by the Eswatini National Nyabinghi Council and coordinated by Ambrose Zwane, the festival promises a rich blend of music, cultural heritage, health workshops, and Rastafarian values, all celebrating the enduring legacy of reggae legend Peter Tosh.
Zwane explains the festival is part of a broader Southern African Nyabinghi Council (SANC) project aimed at empowering artists across SADC countries while fostering economic collaboration and cultural pride. “Artists here go through dry seasons without platforms. We want to keep them busy, developing their craft, and sharing their work with the world,” he said.
The Buntfu Love Festival draws its inspiration from Peter Tosh’s historic 1983 visit to Eswatini, a visit that made headlines when he successfully negotiated with local authorities to let audiences smoke ganja freely at Somhlolo Stadium. This event not only cemented his commitment to African unity and Rastafari advocacy but also left a lasting imprint on Eswatini’s cultural memory.
Zwane says this festival aims to revive that spirit of freedom, social consciousness, and celebration through music and workshops. “Peter Tosh advocated for organic living and freedom from oppression. We want the youth to know this history and live these values,” he added.
Saturday’s launch event promises a full evening of live performances from some of Eswatini’s best-loved artists. The lineup includes:
Bheki Bheki
Boloja
Nana Magagula
Ras Richie
Immortal Seven
Pachanga
Nhlavu
Plateau Roots
Kay Jee Soundz
DJs on the night include DJ Kish, Kay Jee Soundz, Peero_M, and Resident DJs. A panel of esteemed judges featuring Mshikishi, Boloja, Nana Magagula, and Reggy Maphanga will oversee the Eswatini Got Talent segment, where artists compete for spots in future festival build-up events.
Zwane also confirmed a special guest for the event: Sipho Mkhwanazi, owner of a KwaZulu-Natal recording company where Mshikishi, Nhlavu, and Plateau Roots have all recorded. The company is renowned not only for music production but also for manufacturing radio and music equipment. “He’s invited so he can see the potential here firsthand and hopefully sponsor our next event,” said Zwane. “This is part of our vision of growing artists’ careers beyond Eswatini’s borders.”
True to Rastafarian values, the Buntfu Love Festival offers more than just entertainment. It includes health-focused workshops in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Agriculture, teaching cooking and baking of healthy, organic meals in the Ital tradition. The Rastafarian community will offer counselling services and training on preparing nutritious food for people living with NCDs and depression.
Saturday’s event is only the beginning. The festival is structured around four build-up events across the year, culminating in the main December festival during World HIV/AIDS Week. Each phase aligns with key dates, including World Radio Day, Workers’ Day, Nutrition Month, and Peter Tosh’s birthday, ensuring artists stay engaged throughout the year.
Zwane says the project aligns with SANC’s mission to use the arts as a vehicle for economic and social development across SADC. “Recently, we launched in South Africa and Mozambique. Now it’s Eswatini’s turn. We want artists here to see themselves as part of a regional movement,” he said.
Event Details:
Polar Rest & Bar, Siteki Mpolonjeni
Date: Saturday, 5 July 2025, 4 PM till late
Gate Fee: E70 | With Dreadlocks: E50 | Couple: E100
Info: 7604 1606
With live music, cultural pride, health education, and dreams of cross-border collaboration, Buntfu Love Festival is poised to become one of Eswatini’s most meaningful new traditions.
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