Africa-Press – Eswatini. From turntables to tractors, DJ Lolo is hitting all the right notes, and this time, it’s in the soil.
The energetic entertainer-turned-agri-entrepreneur, real name Wendy Lolo, bagged E10 000 and a certificate after winning the Outstanding Youth-Owned Start-up in Agriculture award at the Lubombo Regional Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2025. Hosted in partnership with SEDCO, FNB Eswatini and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, the awards shone a bright light on businesses turning hustle into harvest.
“I’m blown away,” she said. “A few weeks ago, I was publicly asking for help with a drip irrigation system. Now, I can finally water my crops properly and retire my watering cans,” she laughed.
“This award is not just money, it’s motivation.”
She added that the transition from spinning decks to growing greens was smoother than expected.
“Farming took over my life completely. I still deejay for select events, but my heart is in the soil now. Plus, I’ve created jobs, supplied supermarkets, and helped young people find purpose through agriculture.”
Her passion didn’t go unnoticed. DJ Lolo Farms stood tall among over 103 applicants from Lubombo, out of 412 entries submitted nationwide. Agricultural businesses led the region in applications, proving that farming is not just tradition, it’s transformation.
In her acceptance, Lolo praised the organisers for recognising young agripreneurs: “Through SEDCO and FNB, we’ve found a platform that values farming as much as tech or fashion. This is a big win for every young person with dirt under their nails and big dreams.”
The regional awards were part of a countrywide build-up to the national Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (EYA) later this year. Lubombo brought the heat, with winners announced in several key categories:
Regional Winner: DJD Pork
Outstanding Women-Owned Business: Nomfundo’s Fresh Produce
Outstanding Agribusiness: DJD Pork
Outstanding Start-up: DJ Lolo Farms
Outstanding Youth-Owned Business: Grow Pure Farm Products
Outstanding Handicraft Business: Ncami’s Handicraft Design
Outstanding Street Vendor: Sebengetekile
In a statement, organisers said: “The Lubombo Region’s entrepreneurial spirit is undeniable. Agriculture continues to shine as a key driver of innovation and economic resilience.”
The event was supported by FNB Eswatini, the FNB Foundation, and a host of development partners who reaffirmed their commitment to uplifting MSMEs in rural areas.
As DJ Lolo put it: “Farming is the beat I never knew I needed, and I’m just getting started.”
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