MINISTER ‘MADZE’ APPLAUDS STANDARD BANK

MALKERNS - Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harries Madze Bulunga has applauded Standard Bank and its stakeholders for hosting the Luju Festival.

Bulunga was among the dignitaries who graced the event on Sunday. He arrived at around noon and watched the show till the end. During an interview, he mentioned that he was impressed with the festival and was happy to see emaSwati coming together to enjoy the festival. He said the event provided a platform not only for musicians but fashion designers and those in the cooking industry. “I would like to thank Standard Bank for hosting the event. EmaSwati needed it the most. The feel good factor is very necessary following the disturbances that have happened in the country, people needed to enjoy and be together,” he said.

Opportunity

Bulunga said the event was a good platform for local artists who got an opportunity to dish out their music. “Even though some of the artists we expected from outside the borders, for me the event was a success,” he said. He appreciated the hundreds who showed up for the festival and said he was hopeful that more events would be hosted. Meanwhile, Ladysmith Black Mambazo leader Sibongiseni Tshabalala said the group always appreciated an invite to perform in Eswatini. Tshabalala said the love they received in Eswatini was immeasurable.

“There is so much energy here. We are always welcomed with love. Also, our music is meant to unite people. We come here in peace. We are not in any way defying any struggle. We know some people pulled out, it has happened before. We came because we wanted to be with the people. Our music is like a prayer. The love that we get here makes us feel at home,” he said. He mentioned that they also loved the country and its beautiful mountains. He said they believed that emaSwati would solve the differences that existed. “The people of Eswatini were with us in our struggle so that is why we came and could not abandon them. We are at home,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the organisers of the festival lived up to the rules and adherence to the COVID-19 regulations. On both days, there was no taking chances as the curfew was followed and the shows ended at exactly 8pm and attendees were strongly advised to go home. Also, the MCs would now and again remind attendees to wear their masks whenever they walked around.





 
 

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