In Southern African entertainment, few weekends carry the prestige and excitement of the Durban July. This year, Eswatini has every reason to cheer as one of its own rising stars prepares to shine on one of the region’s biggest stages. DJ AyaCity, a talented homegrown act, is set to perform at the highly anticipated ‘All Black with a Touch of Platinum Walk’ event on Sunday, July 5, at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.
The event, part of the Durban July festivities, promises an unforgettable evening of music, fashion and glamour. Hosted by the dynamic duo King Zein and Zonzo, the line-up features a stellar cast including BQueen, Pearl The Plug, Porcia Neken, King Abashwe and many more. For AyaCity, this appearance represents more than just another gig it is a proud moment for Eswatini’s growing influence in the regional entertainment scene.
From local sets to regional spotlight
Known for his electrifying sets and ability to command any dancefloor, DJ AyaCity has steadily built a reputation as one of Eswatini’s most exciting talents. His style blends infectious Amapiano rhythms with House grooves and local flavour, creating moments that resonate deeply with audiences. Performing alongside heavyweights such as DJ Maphorisa, Kabza, Limit, Nala, Thatohatsi and Professor Tsetse on this prestigious platform is a significant milestone.
DJ AyaCity real name Ayanda Motsa, is a fast-rising Eswatini DJ and music producer known for his energetic sets and deep connection to the Amapiano. Hailing from Eswatini, Aya has carved a name for himself as one of the country’s most promising young talents in the electronic music scene. His style blends infectious Amapiano rhythms with soulful house grooves, creating a sound that resonates strongly with both local and regional audiences. He is celebrated for his technical skill behind the decks, crowd-reading ability and high-energy performances that keep dancefloors packed from start to finish.
AyaCity has been steadily building his profile through local gigs, festivals and collaborations within Eswatini. Beyond the booth, DJ AyaCity is viewed as part of a new generation of Eswatini artists helping to put the kingdom on the regional entertainment map.
This invitation highlights how far Eswatini’s artists have come. In an industry where cross-border opportunities can transform careers, AyaCity’s booking highlights the increasing recognition of Swati talent on the regional stage. Fans back home will no doubt be streaming the event and celebrating this achievement, which puts Eswatini firmly on the entertainment map during one of Southern Africa’s most glamorous weekends.
Enduring Eswatini– South Africa Partnership
Beyond the individual success stories, events like Durban July beautifully illustrate the power of regional collaboration between Eswatini and South Africa.
The Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) has been actively strengthening ties with Durban Tourism for approximately six years. According to ETA Head of Marketing, Chunkie Mdluli, these partnerships allow both countries to promote the region collectively. “As we have seen during the MTN Bushfire Festival, this has been a collaboration that has been ongoing, where we promote the region collectively as we share the common knowledge of events bringing large numbers of people,” she explained.
The benefits are tangible. Durban Tourism previously activated the Durban July during the MTN Bushfire Festival in Eswatini, while local media houses were given the opportunity to experience and cover major regional events. This reciprocal arrangement not only boosts visibility for both destinations but also creates valuable learning experiences for media professionals and tourism operators.
Eswatini Air is playing a vital supporting role. Its Marketing and Communications Manager, Batsabile Nkambule, emphasised how such partnerships drive growth in tourism and entertainment. “For Eswatini Air, maintaining strong relationships with neighbouring countries is essential,” she noted. By facilitating convenient travel for attendees and media, the airline helps make the Durban July more accessible, while encouraging visitors to explore Eswatini as an extension of their trip.
Mdluli added that local tour operators and travel agents can now offer attractive packages, with Eswatini Air operating flights between the two countries from Wednesday to Sunday. These connections make it easier for emaSwati to attend the Durban July and for South African visitors to discover the Kingdom’s attractions.
Cultural Exchange and Economic Impact
The Durban July itself is a spectacle like no other. Now in its 130th year, South Africa’s richest horse race at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse is expected to attract around 45 000 fashion enthusiasts, punters and racing fans. This year’s ‘Country Allure’ theme brings a stylish Western-inspired flair to the fashion stakes.
For Eswatini, participation in such events goes far beyond entertainment. It fosters cultural exchange, opens doors for investment and demonstrates the economic power of well-curated festivals. Artists like AyaCity return home inspired, often incorporating new ideas into their own events, while tourism linkages help drive visitor numbers in both directions.
Mdluli summed up the excitement perfectly: “We are entirely excited for the event this weekend as it means a lot to us... We also believe that we will have more exchange tours where we will be hosting them in the country.”
A Bright Future on Regional Stage
DJ AyaCity’s performance at this year’s Durban July is more than a booking it symbolises the growing confidence and capability of Eswatini’s creative industry. Supported by strong institutional partnerships between the ETA, Eswatini Air and their South African counterparts, these moments create a virtuous cycle of opportunity, exposure, and economic benefit.
As the beats drop on July and the fashion stakes light up Durban, Eswatini will be watching with pride. Events like these remind us that when neighbours collaborate, everyone wins. Whether through pulsating music, unforgettable theatre or strategic tourism partnerships, the Kingdom continues to make its mark on the regional stage one vibrant event at a time.
