Arts

MANZINI – The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) has officially opened a recording studio in Manzini.

The studio is a project that began this year and it will give artists access to standard equipment which will see them making high-quality recordings. The new studio offers three components: A podcast studio, a recording studio and a painting studio.

The studio was officially opened yesterday by the Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima. He was accompanied by government officials such as Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga, Member of Parliament for Lubombo Constituency Futhi Ngcamphalala, MP Sifiso Shabalala, who is part of the ministry’s portfolio committee, Senator Fezeka Dlamini and others. Minister Nzima said government played a huge role in making sure the studio project becomes successful by injecting financial muscle.

“Government, through the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture, has contributed over E1 million to this project. We are aware that far greater resources are needed to unlock the full potential of our arts industry,” Nzima said.

He further shared that they have long waited for the reopening of creative hubs like this one, where emaSwati can enjoy high-quality, locally produced art together. “Today marks the beginning of that journey. Sustainability, however, remains critical. We, therefore, urge all stakeholders, artists, industry players and art lovers to take ownership of this facility and help protect this investment. I wish to assure stakeholders that we are working tirelessly with government ministries, departments, parastatals, and partners to create a more enabling environment for arts to thrive,” he said.

Full article available in our publication.

This is how the main recording area looks. All the equipment fitted here is brand new. (Pics: Mxolisi Dlamini)

Minister for Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima being interviewed in the podcast studio by Zakhele Mabuza, who will be overseeing the podcast studio.

ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini said artists should register in the regional arts offices to access the studio.