Makotopong Sound Studios (MSS) and Lokuhle Media Group turned AkuseKhula’s musical journey into a platform for collaboration at the Eswatini Theatre Club on Friday.
The evening was designed differently from a conventional concert, with the organisers focusing on a closer connection between the artist, his music and supporters of the creative industry. Music lovers, creatives and industry players gathered for an experience centred on Khula’s journey and African expression.
Khula is part of the artistic family of MSS, a platform involved in recording, music production and artist development. His relationship with the studio forms part of its wider history, which includes creative links with musicians such as Bholoja, Mimi and McCoy Mrubata. His latest work includes the 2026 project Phuphani, adding to a growing catalogue developed through his relationship with the studio.
MSS has continued helping artists develop their sound, build meaningful catalogues and find platforms that could take their music to wider audiences.
The partnership with Lokuhle Media Group brought another part of the creative industry into the project. The company works across artist management, event management, marketing, media production, photography, videography, graphic design and other services.
Director Phindokuhle Sithole said the partnership showed why different parts of the industry need to work together to create opportunities for artists.
“We believe that the growth of the creative industry depends on collaboration,” Sithole said.
He explained that artists need more than recorded music, pointing to marketing, management, media support and opportunities to connect with audiences. The event also showed how music, media and event production can come together around one artist.
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. Khula’s connection with the studio has allowed him to explore African sounds while developing contemporary music for present-day audiences. His Phuphani project forms part of that creative journey.
Sithole said the evening was intended to demonstrate the value of supporting artists throughout their careers rather than only presenting their finished work.
“With AkuseKhula, we are not only presenting a concert. We are supporting an artistic journey,” he said.
The collaboration between MSS and Lokuhle Media Group also highlighted the role of partnerships in creating spaces where local musicians can meet audiences, strengthen their brands and gain attention.
The organisers said the evening supports a connected creative industry in the kingdom while giving audiences a chance to discover music.
The partnership also created space for future creative projects and stronger links between artists, the media and audiences.
