MBABANE – Shiselweni creatives came all out for their regional awards as over 60 creatives have been nominated for 30 categories.
The Shiselweni Regional Awards ceremonies have been slated for August 8, 2026. The regional awards were 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.
Chairperson of NACA Thamsanqa ‘KrTC of Hip Hop’ Sibandze said “We are pleased to receive all creatives to submit their entries and be part of NACA 2026. Every artist comes from a region and we are encouraging artists to nominate through their respective regions. NACA is about celebrating talent, creativity, innovation and cultural excellence in every corner of Eswatini”.
With a renewed focus on artist development, mentorship, capacity building and industry growth, NACA 2026 is expected to evolve beyond an awards platform and become a national movement dedicated to unlocking opportunities, strengthening creative enterprises and positioning Eswatini as a regional hub for arts and culture. The NACA comes at a time when governments, development partners and industry stakeholders across Africa are increasingly recognising the creative economy as a strategic sector for employment creation, youth empowerment, cultural preservation and economic growth. 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.
Speaking on behalf of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Dlamini highlighted the significant growth of the awards platform over the years. “During the previous NACA Awards cycle, we received more than 4 000 entries from artists across all regions of Eswatini. This year we anticipate even greater participation as artists continue to produce exceptional work and contribute to the growth of the creative industry,” said Dlamini.
Category Code Category Nominee Code Nominee Voting Code
33 Best Actor 106 Bobo Rocboy 33106
36 Best Comedian 101 Abo Ntanga 36101
14 Best Content Creator 101 Abo Ntanga 14101
02 Best Arts Promoter 137 Shiselo Down South Studios 02137
14 Best Content Creator 135 Rambo Sibusiso and Sbuda De Poet 14135
14 Best Content Creator 137 Shiselo Down South Studios 14137
56 Best Crafts Artist 143 Ulamgangela Creations 56143
01 Best Festival or Event 103 Amashiya Amahle Maskandi Festival 01103
57 Best Fashion Designer 115 Hlatshwayo Nosisekelo 57115
59 Best Photographer 116 Hlolingwealpha 59116
55 Best Fine Artist 125 Lindani 55125
58 Best Model 129 Mbali Mashiloane 58129
58 Best Model 138 Simelane Lindelwa 58138
58 Best Model 141 Temlandvo Dlamini 58141
55 Best Fine Artist 143 Ulamgangela Creations 55143
40 Best Poet 109 Comfort Da Poet 40109
40 Best Poet 112 Doizen De Poet 40112
40 Best Poet 134 OPK 40134
15 Best Radio Personality 128 Mayibongwe Alpha Masuku 15128
22 Best Regional Afro Pop Artist 127 Master L & Cado 22127
25 Best Regional Album / EP 119 Ivungunyane 25119
25 Best Regional Album / EP 131 Mrs Vee 25131
32 Best Regional Collaboration 123 Lastborn H.R 32123
32 Best Regional Collaboration 137 Shiselo Down South Studios 32137
19 Best Regional Female Artist 131 Mrs Vee 19131
20 Best Regional Gospel Artist 131 Mrs Vee 20131
20 Best Regional Gospel Artist 136 Samkelo Kenny G 20136
20 Best Regional Gospel Artist 139 Siya Bayas 20139
23 Best Regional Hip Hop Artist 105 Blaqkidoz 23105
23 Best Regional Hip Hop Artist 108 Cate Officixl 23108
23 Best Regional Hip Hop Artist 114 Skhanyiso Doctor Xaba 23114
23 Best Regional Hip Hop Artist 132 Napha Musiq 23132
23 Best Regional Hip Hop Artist 133 Napha The NHO Kid 23133
23 Best Regional Hip Hop Artist 140 SK The Rapper 23140
28 Best Regional Indigenous Artist 118 Isithunywa Esihle 28118
28 Best Regional Indigenous Artist 127 Master L & Cado 28127
18 Best Regional Male Artist 106 Bobo Rocboy 18106
18 Best Regional Male Artist 110 Cy Ndukwemnyama 18110
18 Best Regional Male Artist 119 Ivungunyane 18119
18 Best Regional Male Artist 139 Siya Bayas 18139
27 Best Regional Maskandi Artist 104 Bacede Ngwenya 27104
27 Best Regional Maskandi Artist 111 Dilaboy 27111
27 Best Regional Maskandi Artist 120 Jiza Jiza 27120
27 Best Regional Maskandi Artist 121 Khuzungezwa 27121
27 Best Regional Maskandi Artist 126 Mashibilika Besonga 27126
27 Best Regional Maskandi Artist 145 uSgumejana 27145
31 Best Regional Music Video 106 Bobo Rocboy 31106
31 Best Regional Music Video 123 Lastborn H.R 31123
31 Best Regional Music Video 131 Mrs Vee 31131
30 Best Regional Song 123 Lastborn H.R 30123
30 Best Regional Song 137 Shiselo Down South Studios 30137
30 Best Regional Song 139 Siya Bayas 30139
42 Best School Drama Group 130 Mkhondvo High School 42130
47 Best School Ingadla Group 130 Mkhondvo High School 47130
44 Best School Poet 138 Sgemfu 44138
48 Best School Sibhaca Group 130 Mkhondvo High School 48130
07 Best Sibhaca Group 107 Buseleni Sibhaca Team 07107
35 Best Theatre Production 142 Tfolalwati Drama Group And Culture 35142
26 Best Upcoming Music Artist 106 Bobo Rocboy 26106
26 Best Upcoming Music Artist 110 Cy Ndukwemnyama 26110
26 Best Upcoming Music Artist 117 Idutshelimnyama 26117
26 Best Upcoming Music Artist 122 Kiddie King 26122
26 Best Upcoming Music Artist 124 Lesia Musiq 26124
26 Best Upcoming Music Artist 131 Mrs Vee 26131
26 Best Upcoming Music Artist 144 Umfana Weslenda 26144
06 Most Promising Talent 102 Mr Drip M x Khuks Daluvuyo 06102
06 Most Promising Talent 106 Bobo Rocboy 06106
