ARTS AND CULTURE TO CONTINUE EMPOWERING ARTISTS

MANZINI - The ‘Nkwe!’policy is living up to its expectations as the 12 parliamentarians continue to give hope and empower emaSwati in every aspect.

As Saturday marked the end of the second season of the Rising Star Talent Search Shows at Manzini Worship Centre, the show was indeed one not to be missed, as it was graced by the presence of the Minister of Sports,  Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima. As it was the minister’s first time to attend the event, the contestants and the crowd were very delighted by his presence. “What inspired me to come here today was the fact that the talent search is at the regional level, and the contestants who have made it this far are obviously the best from each region. It is one of the ministry’s mandates to unearth new raw talents and help them grow.

Assistance

“We are grateful as the ministry, and through arts and culture, we will work twice as hard to ensure that their talents from this show get all the assistance they need,” explained the minister. Nzima went on to say that he was very excited about the talent that he witnessed on the night and that it shows that the country continues to grow and develop. “We are also very aware that in order for artists in the country to grow, we need new talent to pop out now and again, which is why, as a ministry of arts and culture, we now have art centres in all four regions, that will play a very important role in the development or growth of individuals from the grassroots level.”

... Rising Star Talent shows finest five

The best part of the Rising Star Talent Search is that everyone who took part in the competition gets to be a winner in their own way. The grand finale this year saw five contestants win, and they will all be recording at the main event that will be held at Mavuso Sports Centre on April 27, 2024. The Overall winner this year was Nosipho Motsa. The other four winners were representatives from each region and they are Snowie Fakudze from the Manzini Region, Dlamini Nokuphila representing the Hhohho Region, Thembela Sibandze from the Shiselweni Region, and Sihlongonyane Xolane from the Lubombo Region. Notable this year was also the fact that the show also picked two contestants who will also record on the day, namely Nonhanhla Mncina and Thembinkosi Vilakati. Nosipho Motsa, who was crowned the overall winner for this year’s competition, could not believe that she indeed had won the grueling race. “It is been quite a nerve-wracking journey, but I am so grateful to God for keeping me through and giving me the strength to carry on.”

... Arts Policy saves man living with disabilities

One of the contestants, Sihle Mdziniso, was very lucky, as he was saved by the national arts and culture policy. The policy, which was launched earlier this year and will be used for five years, is inclusive of people living with disabilities. Eswatini National Arts and Culture CEO Stanley Dlamini announced Sihle Mdziniso as one of the winners, in honour of one of the sections that is sponsored by the policy. The policy that touches on culture and disabilities reads, “Disability has for a long time been treated as taboo in Swati culture. Abilities tended to be marginalised and at times, prohibited from participating in some cultural events. Over the years, this has changed and society has publicly demonstrated its acceptance of people with disabilities. This policy will promote and support the full participation of people with disabilities.” Sihle Mdziniso, after being called out as one of the winners, was overwhelmed with gratitude. “I am literally short of words, and I do not even know what to say. I am very grateful to the arts and culture association. I hope that by achieving this, even other young, talented people living with disabilities will be inspired to chase their dreams no matter the odds.”

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