- Dladla Mshunqisi’s Usuku Lomshunqo festival secures R1.5m from eThekwini Municipality.
- eThekwini allocates R10m to cultural and tourism events in 2025.
- Festival celebrates 8 years, set to draw diverse crowds and boost township economies.
Dladla Mshunqisi’s Usuku Lomshunqo Festival Gets R1.5 Million Support
Gqom star and event organiser Dladla Mshunqisi has confirmed that his annual festival, Usuku Lomshunqo, will receive R1.5 million in funding from the eThekwini Municipality. The much-anticipated summer festival is scheduled for 29 November in KwaMashu, with the venue likely to be the Princess Magogo Stadium.
This year marks the eighth edition of the festival, which has become a major cultural celebration for Durban and beyond.
eThekwini’s R10 Million Festival Boost
According to eThekwini’s latest council resolutions, a total of R10 million will be distributed to various events across the city. Among the beneficiaries:
- Coastal Lounge Rural Tourism Extravaganza – R500,000
- Sisters with Soul (women-only event) – R700,000
- Gagasi FM Beach Fest – R500,000
- Umlazi Jazz Festival – R200,000
- Durban Underground – R1 million
- Durban Jazz Festival – R1 million
- Fact Durban Rocks – R850,000
Municipal officials confirmed that more than 162 applications were received, requesting over R411 million in total.
“Big Events Need Big Support” – Dladla Mshunqisi
Speaking on the funding, Mshunqisi said he was grateful for the backing, explaining how difficult it is to stage large-scale events without government and corporate support.
“Everything costs money – the stage, lights, sound, and permits. Last year alone, just stage and sound cost nearly R700,000,” he revealed.
He added that promoters need to reinvest responsibly in future editions while still relying on funding to raise the standard each year.
Festival as a Community Builder
Beyond the music, Mshunqisi said the festival is about community upliftment and inclusivity.
“It’s about welcoming summer and visitors to Durban. We hire locals from KwaMashu, Ntuzuma, Inanda, and nearby areas. The event is peaceful, developmental, and brings people together,” he said.
The Usuku Lomshunqo festival continues to be a launchpad for emerging artists, giving them space to perform alongside established stars.