NACAS CAN GROW IN STATURE AND VALUE – PM
MBABANE - The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) hosted the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) on Saturday evening at the grand Esibayeni Lodge in Matsapha.
This prestigious awards ceremony celebrated the immense talent possessed by emaSwati honouring their artistic contributions through the lens of heritage and culture. With over 300 nominees competing across various categories the event was a resounding success, culminating in the recognition of 50 deserving winners. Each triumphant artist received a stunning trophy shaped like a shield, adorned in elegant black and gold alongside the prize money of E5000, a testament to the value placed on their artistic efforts.
The event was honoured by the esteemed presence of Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, along with several Cabinet Ministers and dignitaries who added to the significance of the evening. In his remarks, the prime minister praised the wealth of talent in the country emphasising the importance of nurturing and supporting the arts. “I hope that even in the coming year, emaSwati will continue to support this event so that the awards grow in stature and value. I would also like to stress that every form of art is a vital avenue for creativity and it is essential for us to promote these endeavours so that individuals can derive a livelihood from them,” he said.
The ENCAC team also gifted their Majesties with three cows at the awards ceremony which were received by His Majesties representative on the night. The Chairman of NACA Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane echoed the prime minister’s sentiments, highlighting art’s potential as a powerful tool for alleviating poverty. “Looking at all the people gathered here today, I am immensely proud of every creative individual in this room. This turnout demonstrates how emaSwati have embraced their skills and are utilising them for all the right reasons,” he said. Makhabane also went on to present the prestigious Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award to icons Shongwe and Khuphuka and Tlale Tlale. Both recipients expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the recognition vowing to continue their artistic journeys for the benefit of their fans and the community.
Wandile Mthimkhulu, the winner of the Outstanding Maskandi Artist award shared his elation at receiving such an honour. “I am overjoyed to have achieved this recognition. As an ordinary young man from Nhlangano, it fills me with pride to represent my region. This award is a testament to the fruits of my hard work,” he said expressing his commitment to further excellence in his craft.
Excitement
Outstanding Choreographer recipient,Velile Dube also shared her excitement reflecting on the unwavering support her team at Talent and Motion Academy has received throughout the year. “I am thrilled about this achievement as it demonstrates that the work we are doing is acknowledged on a national level. This is just one of many more victories to come for us,” she said. The NACA’s serve not only to celebrate individual achievements but also to foster a sense of unity and pride among emaSwati reinforcing the idea that art is a vital component of the nation’s identity. As the evening unfolded it became clear that the event was more than just an awards ceremony it was a celebration of culture, creativity and the indomitable spirit of the people of Eswatini.
As the night drew to a close the atmosphere was filled with joy and optimism with many artists expressing their hopes for the future. The awards proved to be a pivotal moment for the arts in Eswatini sparking inspiration and encouraging continued investment in the creative sector. With the promise of further growth and recognition, the event has undoubtedly set the stage for an even more vibrant arts scene in the years to come.The 2024 NACA’s were a remarkable celebration of artistic talent showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Eswatini. The participation of prominent figures, the heartfelt speeches and the recognition of deserving winners, all contributed to a memorable evening that will be talked about for years to come. As emaSwati continue to support and uplift their artists, the future of the creative landscape looks bright, promising even more extraordinary achievements in the realm of art and culture.
TABLE OF NACA WINNERS 2024
Post your comment
- AS RELEGATION SAGA DRAGS FOR TOO LONG ... CALL FOR ‘WESLIANS’ TO APPROACH CAS
- IN SHOCKING BREACH OF CONSTITUTION ... 52 POLITICIANS FAIL TO DECLARE ASSETS, STAND TO LOSE JOBS
- AS RELEGATION SAGA DRAGS FOR TOO LONG ... CALL FOR ‘WESLIANS’ TO APPROACH CAS
- PHASE II RULING: JUNIOR COPS GIVE NATCOM ULTIMATUM
- MAN HELD FOR EXTORTING ANOTHER POPULAR BISHOP
- AS RELEGATION SAGA DRAGS FOR TOO LONG ... CALL FOR ‘WESLIANS’ TO APPROACH CAS
- IN SHOCKING BREACH OF CONSTITUTION ... 52 POLITICIANS FAIL TO DECLARE ASSETS, STAND TO LOSE JOBS
- AS RELEGATION SAGA DRAGS FOR TOO LONG ... CALL FOR ‘WESLIANS’ TO APPROACH CAS
- PHASE II RULING: JUNIOR COPS GIVE NATCOM ULTIMATUM
- MAN HELD FOR EXTORTING ANOTHER POPULAR BISHOP
Comments (0 posted):