Singer Tebe bags prestigious China award

Mbabane – Singer and songwriter Tebe Ndwandwe made history in Beijing, China, after scooping a prestigious award.

Ndwandwe became the first liSwati to receive the ‘Young Archivers Award’ at the Pride of Africa Asia Pacific Awards, held on Saturday at the Landmark Towers Hotel.

The awards, organised by the Appreciate Africa Network, featured over 28 categories and attracted more than 80 nominees from 22 countries across the region.

The event celebrates African influence and achievements within Asia and the Pacific, fostering cultural exchange and recognising excellence.

Upon hearing the news of her win, Ndwandwe expressed her excitement and gratitude.

She said: “This is the year of many firsts for me. I am honoured to be the first Swati to receive this award and the youngest recipient so far.

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to vote for me. I truly appreciate it. There is more to come, but all glory to God.”

The Pride of Africa Asia Pacific Awards recognise individuals and organisations for their contributions in various fields, including culture, business and social impact.

The awards aim to inspire positive change, promote regional collaboration and instil pride within the African and Asia Pacific communities.

Nominations are open for a period each year, with winners announced at a ceremony supported by numerous organisations and stakeholders.

The awards serve as a platform to highlight excellence and to foster connections between the two regions.

Ndwandwe’s achievement continues a proud tradition of local creatives making their mark internationally.

Notable examples include Uncle Waffles, who won at the GQ Awards, and Kama and Donald, the creators behind the Open Chats Podcast, which was named ‘Best Podcast of the Year’ at the South African Social Media Awards (SASMA).

This milestone reinforces the growing global footprint of Eswatini’s talent, and underscores the potential for local artists and creatives to achieve recognition on the world stage. Ndwandwe’s victory is a source of pride for the kingdom and an inspiration for emerging artists to pursue their dreams beyond borders.