Times Of Swaziland: NACAS CAN GROW IN STATURE AND VALUE – PM

NACAS CAN GROW IN STATURE AND VALUE – PM
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Neliswa Sibiya on 16/12/2024 08:10:00


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