NACAs bring recognition to Lubombo creatives

MBABANE – This past weekend, the Lubombo Region was alive with celebration and pride as talented local creatives were honoured at the prestigious National Arts and Culture Awards (NACAs).

Established to recognise and elevate excellence within the arts, the awards

programme celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding talent and dedication to their craft. This year’s awards are further enriched by the introduction of the National Music Development Programme (NMDP), which aims to cultivate industry professionals by providing specialised training in areas such as sound engineering, songwriting and technical expertise.

Thamsanqa ‘KrTC of Hip Hop’ Sibandze, Chairperson of the NACAs, expressed heartfelt congratulations to all winners, emphasising that each accolade was thoroughly deserved. “We are delighted to see young creatives making their mark and securing their rightful place in the sector.

I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all the winners and participants. While these are individual honours, we are all winners this achievement reflects the collective growth of our creative community. I also encourage other creatives to continue participating in future awards,” he remarked.

The awards were proudly supported by the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), an organisation committed to the development and promotion of arts across the kingdom. Stanley Dlamini, ENCAC’s Chief Executive Officer, echoed Sibandze’s words, underlining the primary objective of the awards, to recognise and celebrate the exceptional skill and dedication of creatives.

 “There is truly nothing more rewarding than being recognised for your craft.

 Our vision is to see creatives earning a sustainable living through their passion, which drives us to go beyond limits in ensuring their work receives the acknowledgment it deserves. We appreciate all those who took part in this year’s awards and we look forward to expanding our reach to other regions through upcoming festivals,” he said.

Following the success of the Lubombo Regional Festival, the next editions are scheduled to take place in Nhlangano on August 8, 2026, Pigg’s Peak on August 15, 2026 and Manzini on August 22, 2026. These festivals continue to serve as vital platforms to showcase local talent and inspire emerging artists across the kingdom.

LUBOMBO WINNERS

1. Best Videographer – GeeZ Visuals
2. Best Photographer – One Shot
3. Best Festival or Event – Miss Siphofaneni Beauty Pegeant
4. Best Arts Promoter – Mr Sey
5. Best Community Arts Initiative – Mr & Miss Sithobela Crowning
6. Best Arts Organisation – Sithobela Youth Society
7. Best Lutsango – Macetjeni Lutsango
8. Best Creative Brand – Havilah House Eswatini
9. Best Regional Male – As 4 JerryP & Mcebo Nkambule
10. Best Regional Female – Cebile Mkhwananzi
11. Best Regional Gospel Artist/Group – Big Bend We Praise
12. Best Regional Traditional Gospel – Africa & Lindo
13. Best Regional Hip Hop Artist – Ghetto Villah & Criss Tino
14. Best Regional Producer – Prince B Soas
15. Best Album/EP – Ghetto Villah
16. Best Upcoming Artist – As 4 JerryP & Vee Gee
17. Best Indigenous Artist – Emagodsoulz
18. Best Regional DJ – Fats
19. Best Regional Song – lmmortal 7
20. Best Regional Music Video – Tricky X
21. Best Theatre Production – Ndzevane Dance Group
22. Best Dancer – Young Stars
23. Best Choreographer – Mr Sey
24. Best Poet – Ichawelesizwe
25. Best School Drama – Maloyi High School
26. Best School Ingadla – Global Revival Primary
27. Best Ummiso Group – Global Revival Primary
28. Best Crafts Artist – Mcebo Nkambule
29. Best Fine Artist – Lelo Mazibuko