Akuse Khula marks new chapter with ‘Phuphani’

Mbabane – Makotopong Sound Studios and Lokuhle Media Group have joined forces to support Eswatini’s creative industry through a showcase celebrating musician Akuse Khula.

The collaboration was presented during “An Evening With: Akuse Khula”, held at the Eswatini Theatre Club on Friday, 14 August 2026. The event brought together music lovers, artists, media practitioners and other people involved in the local creative sector.

Unlike a conventional concert, the evening focused on creating a closer connection between Khula, his music and the audience.

Jazz and African sounds formed part of the programme, which also explored Khula’s artistic journey and his contribution to Eswatini’s developing music scene.

Khula is part of the Makotopong Sound Studios artistic family. The studio focuses on recording, music production and artist development, and has previously been linked to musicians including Bholoja, Mimi and McCoy Mrubata.

His latest project, “Phuphani”, released in 2026, forms part of the catalogue he has developed through his work with the studio.

Makotopong Sound Studios said its work goes beyond recording music. The studio also assists artists in shaping their sound, developing their artistic identity, building catalogues and finding opportunities to reach wider audiences.

Lokuhle Media Group contributed its experience in artist management, event management, marketing, media production, photography, videography, graphic design and other creative services.

@swazi24online Watch highlights from Akuse Khula’s performance during “An Evening With: Akuse Khula” at the Eswatini Theatre Club in Mbabane. Released on 27 February 2026, Phuphani is a Swati album created for African dreamers. Rooted in Southern African musical traditions and shaped by global jazz and world music influences, the album was produced by Victor Masondo and released by Makotopong Sound Studios. Listen to Phuphani and experience the soundtrack for African dreamers: akusekhula.co.za #tiktokeswatini🇸🇿 #tiktoksouthafrica #tiktokafrica ♬ original sound – swazi24

Director Phindokuhle Sithole said cooperation among creative sector players was necessary to create meaningful opportunities for artists.

“We believe that the growth of the creative industry depends on collaboration,” said Sithole.

He said artists needed more than recorded music to sustain their careers, adding that marketing, management, media support and direct engagement with audiences were also important.

The event brought music, media and event production together around one artist, providing an example of how different parts of the creative sector could work collectively.

“For MSS, the focus on Khula reflects its wider approach to artist development. The studio’s work extends beyond recording by helping musicians shape their artistic identity and create bodies of work,” said Sithole.

He said Khula’s relationship with the studio had allowed him to explore African sounds while developing contemporary music for present day audiences.

“With AkuseKhula, we are not only presenting a concert. We are supporting an artistic journey,” he said.

The organisers said the partnership created a platform for local musicians to meet audiences, strengthen their brands and gain exposure.

They also said the event could lead to further collaboration between artists, media organisations, event producers and audiences.