BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI– For a creative community that continues to produce work across different corners of the arts, recognition came in many forms at the Manzini NACA Regional Awards held at Millennium Park.
The awards brought together creatives from across the region, turning the spotlight on artists, cultural practitioners and organisations whose work continues to shape Manzini’s creative scene.
From music and photography to theatre, fashion, poetry and content creation, the night reflected just how wide the region’s creative pool has become.
Among the biggest winners was fine artist Thembinkosi Mabuza, who walked away with the Best Fine Artist award. Deelangza Productions Company was recognised as Best Photographer, while Itende Worship Experience took Best Event/Festival.
The awards also recognised those working behind the scenes to keep the creative sector moving. Mbekezeli “Culo” Dlamini won Best Arts Promoter, while Eswatini Talent Network was named Best Arts Organisation.
In the individual categories, Blessing Dludlu and Scara Maziya shared the Best Male award, while Hapkoo won Best Regional Female. Sphe Tsabedze and Ayanda Dlamini shared the Best Gospel Artist accolade.
Music provided several memorable moments, with R4 Gamedze and Apostle Maculuve taking Best Traditional Gospel. Luyanda Motsa was recognised as Best Promising Artist, while SGE TCHUNA and Ntsetselelo Mkhonta shared the Regional Hip Hop award.
Sanchezy was among the night’s standout performers in the awards race, winning both Regional Album and Best Regional Indigenous Artist, while Thaifo took Best Regional Song.
Away from music, Gcoba won Best Theatre Production, Swish Marandi was named Best Poet and Samu Once Again took Best Regional Maskandi. Mshikishi Mndzebele won Best Mbanqanga, while Siwakhile was recognised as Best Content Creator.
The fashion and performance categories added more colour to the evening. Black Barbie and Nenekazi shared Best Model, Mimmy Ginindza and Gina Khumalo won Best Actress, and Ncamiso Gcoba Dlamini took Best Actor. Mcola won Best Comedian, while Carol Lubelo and Designs by Kipi shared the Fashion Designer award.
The recognition extended to schools, with Vulamasango winning Best School Drama, Gundvwini High taking Best School Ingadla and Ethembeni High School winning Best School Sibhaca.
More than simply a list of winners, the awards offered a snapshot of a creative community with artists working across generations and disciplines.
For Manzini’s creatives, the night was a chance to see their different forms of expression placed on the same stage a reminder that the region’s artistic identity is being built by more than one genre or generation.
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