He had gone there to see his favourite artist Simphiwe Dana.
But, tomorrow the 27-year-old will get a chance to taste the thrill of being cheered by hundreds of music lovers.
It looks like his dream of performing at the historic jazz event has come earlier than he had expected. And Sukwene is not intimidated by the strong line-up of established jazz, Afro-pop and traditional artists, or the atmosphere itself.
Instead, he says he cannot wait to get on stage and get revellers off their camping chairs. "I'm really excited to be included in a line-up full of talented and famous South African legends. I used to go to the festival with my brother and I know the atmosphere."
He adds: "I am looking forward to the performance and I think I'm prepared for this gig. I will give it my all."
Now in its 17th season, this year's concert will see Sukwene perform alongside South African giants like Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Jonas Gwangwa, Thomas Chauke, Letta Mbulu, Johnny Clegg, Bhudaza, Mafikizolo, Zonke, Lira and Mi Casa.
During last year's Idols season nine, which Sukwene won, he sang one of crooner Ringo Madlingozi's hit songs, Ndiyagodola, and impressed the at-times-hard-to-please judges. Throughout the music talent competition, Sukwene emerged early on as a baladeer and through that gained lots of fans.
When he was announced as the winner, he performed Ndiyagodola yet again and got a standing ovation.
On Sunday, he will share the stage with his hero Madlingozi. "I have performed with him before. We did a Valentine's gig together. Ringo knows that I appreciate his music because my brother plays drums for him."
Born in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, Sukwene shot into fame nine months ago when he beat close competitor Brenden Ledwaba by 1000 votes in a tightly contested Idols competition.
In April, he released his debut album The Dream, produced by Robbie Malinga.
Sukwene says the album was well received and that he dedicated the rest of this year to promoting it. "As long as I continue working hard and remain grounded, I should do well," he says.
Winning Idols, to an extent, made it easy for him to launch his music career faster than other musicians.
Ever since he won the competition, he has been inundated with invitations to perform around the country. His schedule, he explains, is so hectic he normally performs three to four times in a week.
Sukwene is quick to point out that there are no shortcuts in the music industry and that it is all about hard work. "I have been putting a lot of hard work. I know that God has blessed me with a beautiful voice and I just need to look after it."
He hinted that there are a number of collaborations that he has lined up for next year. One of the artists who has shown interest in working with him is the legendary Steve Kekana.
Sukwene says when he got the call that Kekana wanted to do a song with him, he was over the moon.
