MBABANE – Friday marked the final stop of the regional NACAs bringing together local creatives seeking recognition and a place on the national stage.
Millennium Park hosted the final regional festival, where performers and exhibitors from various creative sectors presented their work before judges and audiences. The programme featured poetry, drama, Ingadla, Gospel music, DJs, live band performances, comedy and theatre, creating a broad display of local talent.
These performances gave nominees an opportunity to introduce their work to a wider audience while competing for regional honours. Artists and other creatives showed strong interest in the platform, treating the festival as a chance to demonstrate their skills and connect with audiences who might not have encountered their work before.
Manzini creatives viewed the nomination as recognition of their hard work and an opportunity that needed to be used well.
Local creatives should first make an impact among their own people before seeking opportunities beyond the country. For them, reaching the regional stage was an honour, but the moment also carried responsibility as creatives should use such platforms to build their profiles, gain exposure and show audiences what local talent can truly offer.
The Manzini festival followed regional events held across Lubombo, Shiselweni and Hhohho, completing the circuit before the competition moves to its next phase. Successful nominees will now progress to the national stage, where they will compete for national titles.
Beyond the awards, the initiative is being used to strengthen professional skills within the creative sector. Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini said the National Music Development Programme would support this part of the project. “Through the National Music Development Programme, we aim to develop industry professionals,” Dlamini said. The programme will provide training in key areas, including sound engineering and music business, giving creatives practical skills alongside the recognition attached to the awards. Dlamini explained that participants would gain real industry knowledge rather than receiving only certificates or trophies. South African music industry expert Vusi Leeuw is expected to oversee the training following the national awards, with intensive workshops planned for all participating creatives.
Leave a comment