MBABANE – Over the past weekend, the Shiselweni NACA Regional Festival brought together a diverse array of creative talents.
All nominees for the awards were granted the opportunity to perform in front of an audience prior to the announcement of the winners. The recipients of the awards were selected based on a combination of judges’ evaluations and the votes accumulated by each artist.
The primary objective of the NACA awards is to honour excellence and recognise outstanding talent within the arts community.
This year, winners will not only receive a trophy or a certificate of achievement but will also benefit from comprehensive mentorship programmes facilitated by the National Music Development Programme. This initiative aims to cultivate industry professionals such as sound engineers, songwriters and other key contributors to the creative sector. The festival was hosted at King Sobhuza Memorial Stadium as part of the Shiselweni Day celebrations, which attracted an audience of over 3 000 attendees. The winners from the Shiselweni Region were announced by Thamsanqa ‘KrTC’ Sibandze, Chairperson of the NACA Awards.
In his address, the Chairperson congratulated all those recognised, emphasising that this achievement marks only the beginning of their journey. “If you were announced as a winner, it signifies that the journey has just commenced, as you are now expected to advance to the national level. As you are all aware, the national awards ceremony will be held on November 28, this year at a venue to be announced.
“I encourage you to continue working diligently and to prepare yourselves for the upcoming national competition,” said Sibandze.
Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Dlamini, commended the creatives of Shiselweni for their participation in the awards. “The high attendance shows the passion and dedication these artists have for their craft. Such enthusiasm motivates us as a council to continue organising programmes and initiatives like this. For us, everyone involved in the awards is a winner, as it takes courage and confidence to participate. We are grateful to all the creatives who took part,” Dlamini stated.
Following a successful event in the Shiselweni Region, the next awards festival will be hosted in Pigg’s Peak on August 15, 2026.
SHISELWENI NACA WINNERS LIST
1. Best Fine Artist – Lindani Art
2. Event – Amashiya Amahle Maskandi Festival
3. Best Lutsango- Buseleni
4. Regional Male – Imvungunyane & CY Ndukwemnyama
5. Regional Best Female – Vee
6. Regional Gospel- Vee & Samkelo Kenny G
7. Best Hip Hop – Cate Official
8. Best Regional Album – Vee
9. Regional Upcoming Music Artist – Vee & CY Indukwemyama
10. Regional Indigenous Artist- Master L & Cardo
11. Best Regional Song – Siya Bayas
12. Regional Music Video – Lastborn HR
13. Best Poet – OPK, Comfort De Poet
14. Best Crafts Artist- Ulamgangela Creations
15. Maskandi Artist- Dilaboy, Khuzungezwa, Bacede Ngwenya, Mashibilika Basonga
16. Content Creator- Abontanga
17. Best Regional Collaboration – SDSS Music Group
18. Best Model – Lindelwa Simelane & Temlandvo Dlamini
19. Most Promising Talent – Bobo Rocboy
20. Best Sibhaca – Buseleni
21. Best Ingandla – Ingwe nenja
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