I’m always in awe of people who like being out and about and around people. As the quintessential homebody my idea of a fun Saturday is bingeing on series whilst under the duvet surrounded by my cats. So if you’re looking for a review of last night’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy I’m your girl, but if you want the scoop on local trendy events then TBK is your girl.

SIO: Since the year began approximately how many major events have you attended?

TBK: The first quarter of the year is usually not so heavy on events; I think the whole country is still recovering from December. In terms of major, I would say I managed to attend The Castle Lite Unlocks Ricky Rick show and the awesome MTN Bushfire Festival. There were also some smaller events such as the Comedy, Poetry Rhymes (CPR) sessions hosted by KrTC and DJ Mixmash. There was also the Food festival hosted by Malkerns Rotary.

What was the last event you attended, and how was it?

The last event was a new concept: Hip hop and soul sessions, headlining KrTC and a new amazing talent named Denzel Smith. It was an intimate show filled with amazing talent born and bred Eswatini, the highlight being Gcobani, I am looking forward to some good music from him. It looks like it will be a monthly installment so really looking forward to the next one.

Come rain or shine what is the one event you never miss each year?

MTN Bushfire, I have missed it only once in the last 5 years. The bug bit once and I have never looked back. Bushfire is such a vibe, the ambience, the different people, the random hot guys and of course the music!

What usually influences your decision to attend a particular event?

I have been attending events for a while now and along the way you figure out what you like and who will not disappoint. So I attend based on who is hosting it, e.g. House on Fire, Swaziboy, etc. The venue is important as well…it can’t be too far, and if it is then the host should be a name I trust to make it worth it. Also the artist line up is important if it’s a music show. Furthermore the concept behind an event is also important like if it’s a wine tasting, a movie premiere, or a food festival.

What was best event you attended?

I’m so sorry Bushfire, but The Castle Milk Stout unplugged event has been my best experience to date. It was intimate with the right mix of guests, artists and it was on the House on Fire lawn, my favourite venue.

What was the worst event you attended, and what happened?

It was a hip hop event in 2014 [name omitted for obvious reasons folks]. I am no hater, but the promoters brought the biggest names in SA hip hop, but that show didn’t live up to the hype. The seating for the VIP section was at a weird angle, and we sat on the stairs or whatever those things were. The crowd was mainly under 25 and that’s when I vowed never again. I think the cold is also a factor.

What is one thing local event organisers keep doing right?

I think local event organisers are listening to their customers more. Experiences are way better than they were before, and the artist lineups have improved drastically. We’re now at a place where the lineup is 100% Local Artists, we have come a long way.

What is one thing local event organisers keep getting wrong?

The time factor: Most events still struggle to start on time.

Which local venue offers the best location for events?

House on Fire: This place caters for all sorts of events, I have dreams about having my own party there.
Esibayeni Lodge: This place has literally 5 venues in one location, plus plenty of accommodation.
Solanis Shisa Nyama: Also one of my favourite venues…wild on a Friday night, but chilled on a Sunday afternoon.
The George Hotel: A pool party venue, they have my favourite and cleanest pool, and the best cocktails in Eswatini.
Emfuleni Lifestyle: This venue has a lot of potential, it is centrally located and the music is always on point.

What type of events do you wish we had more of here in Eswatini?

I wish we had more markets and more unplugged sessions. We have so much raw talent and these intimate unplugged events would go a long way in unleashing this talent. The markets are a nice way to explore different food and offer a good time in the sun. Oh and can the poetry nights come back?

What event is next on your agenda?

I’m looking forward to the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival: I’m thinking good food, great drinks, amazing music and ambiance to match! I am also very excited that they decided to have a dress theme, I love it!

How do you think local event organisers are doing in terms of protecting the safety of female attendees?

Not much. The best we get is having police presence at some events and they provide general safety. I once attended a show where a woman was being beaten up and the venue owners did not want to get involved. I am never going there again at my own free will. I feel like we need to have more bouncers inside the venues… that may be safer for us.

What piece of advice can you offer our female readers so that they have a great time at the next event they attend?

Safety in numbers is not a cliché. Attending to the call of nature in numbers is not ridiculous. Have enough money to not worry about the bill. Always carry a pair of flat shoes. Dance like nobody is watching and if they are, give them a show!

How do you feel about being SIO’s new Events Contributor?

I am nervous and excited at the same time. I really enjoy going out and being among the fun and sometimes dressing up and glitzing it up and ultimately dancing the night away. It will be an even better feeling for me to be able to tell our readers about my experience.