PIGG’S PEAK – The Highlands Inn Hotel, in partnership with the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), has launched the Highlands Inn Zion Gospel Competition, featuring a total prize pool of E20 000.
The launch took place yesterday at the Highlands Inn Hotel in Pigg’s Peak.
Mandisa Dlamini, from Pigg’s Peak Arts and Culture noted that Zionists are often left behind. She stated that they want to empower Zionist groups and recognise the work they do.
Highlands Inn Hotel Manager Fortunate Dlamini expressed the hotel’s desire to promote and showcase local talent through this sponsorship. She announced that the hotel is contributing E10000 to the competition with the original prize breakdown offering E2500 for first place, E2000 for second place, E1500 for third place, and E1000 for fourth place.
Dlamini added that all participating choirs would receive E100 just for taking part, and special awards would be given to the best-dressed choirs. Each choir will be allocated five minutes during the competition to perform a song of their choice. She concluded by wishing all participating choirs the best of luck.
Meanwhile, ENCAC Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini expressed his gratitude for the launch of the competition dedicated to Zion churches. He recalled that about two years ago, a Gospel festival was launched in Pigg’s Peak but never actually took place. He expressed hope that this Zion Gospel Competition would fully materialise rather than just ending at the launch stage.
Dlamini also shared his personal connection to Zion churches, noting that it was the denomination he was born into and that his late mother remained a member until her passing.
“I also love the cleanliness of the Zion church,” he remarked.
He affirmed that the Arts and Culture Council is ready to support them, noting that His Majesty King Mswati III encourages the youth to stay active and find ways to generate income. Dlamini stated that the role of adults and the Council is to support the youth in these endeavors and ensure people are compensated for their skills.
“An individual’s talent should be able to pay them and earn them a living,” he said.
Dlamini further announced that the Council operates a studio in Manzini, where the winning choir will be allowed to record a CD. He also revealed that the best choir leader would receive a special award from the Council.
On behalf of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture, Dlamini contributed an additional E10000 to the initiative, bringing the total prize pool to E20000. Consequently, he stated that they would review and adjust the initial prize list announced by the main sponsors to reflect the doubled sponsorship amount.
Dlamini concluded by stating that the Council is excited about the competition and eager to see local talent in action. He pleaded for the competition to become an annual event, pledging that the Council would continue to allocate resources to support it in the future.
Local comedian, Gedlembane led the proceedings.