OVER 7 000 LUTSANGO DISPLAY EXCITEMENT

MBABANE – Over 7 000 members of the Lutsango regiment showed great zeal and excitement in this year’s Buganu Ceremony at Buhleni Royal Residence.

Members of the regiment started arriving for the ceremony on Friday morning from across all the four regions of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Some members of the regiment camped at the royal residence in tents as they eagerly waited for the main day of the ceremony yesterday. From as early as 7am, more members of the regiment cascaded to the palace to join His Majesty  KingMswati III and the Indlovukazi in the celebration. As soon as the Indvuna yeLutsango, Lontfombi Ndzimandze started announcing that the regiment should prepare to enter the arena at about 2pm, the excitement grew in anticipation of the song and dance. At about 4pm the regiments in their different groups entered the arena (umkhumbi) in song and dance. Each regiment was given enough time to dance and showcase before their Majesties and they showed great energy and excitement  until 6pm.  Libutfo from His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) stole the show in the arena and got everyone off their seats.

Worth mentioning is that, songs that were sung by the regiment which varied from the known to freshly composed songs, which were mostly sung outside the arena. The new songs were mostly satiric and were casting shade on individuals and entities over the political unrests. The King also welcomed international guests which included Prince Hlungu of Msogwaba, Ngomane Royalty, Prince Nathi of Sandleni, Bantfwabenkhosi from eMbhuleni and Mampondweni Kingdom among others. Also in attendance this year, were members of the Ministry of Arts and Culture from South Africa, Mpumalanga Province who were led by Eswatini National Arts and Culture Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Dlamini.  The weather presented a beautiful and conducive environment for the women regiments to dance and sing and they brought their best formations as they danced in regional segments. Lutsango showed great excitement when His Majesty and the Queen Mother arrived at the arena as they sang and  did a special dance for Their Majesties.

The Buganu ceremony is known among the nation as the celebration of the ‘first fruit’ which comes after the Incwala ceremony. The celebration is essentially viewed to be about cleansing and renewal in a new year. During the ceremony women get to network and showcase the various products they produce within their communities. It has over the years evolved into a session where business ideas are shared and markets for products are availed, not only within the premises, but beyond the festival itself. His Majesty, the Indlovukazi, Royal family, emabutfo (regiments), the nation and international guests from neigbouring countries and abroad participated in the ceremony.

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