BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI— For Hlatikulu-based rapper Cate Officixl, winning the Best Regional Hip Hop Artist – Shiselweni Region award at the 2026 NACA Awards was a moment of redemption after a difficult previous awards cycle.
The Hip Hop artist’s latest achievement places him on the national stage, but the road to the title has been marked by setbacks, persistence and a determination to keep pushing his music forward.
During the previous awards cycle, Cate was unable to attend the ceremony, an experience that could easily have discouraged an emerging artist. Instead, he used the disappointment as motivation. “It didn’t define me; it refined me,” he said.
When he received another nomination in 2026, Cate found himself dealing with a mixture of excitement and nerves as he waited for the results. Hearing his name announced as the winner brought an emotional shift from uncertainty to happiness, pride and gratitude.
For the rapper, the award is also significant because it represents the creative potential coming out of Hlatikulu and the wider Shiselweni Region, where artists continue to build careers despite limited exposure and performance opportunities.
Cate’s victory offers recognition to a region with a growing pool of musicians and creatives, while also giving him an opportunity to carry Shiselweni’s name into the national competition.
The artist has credited his supporters for playing a role in his achievement, particularly those who voted for him, shared his music and encouraged him throughout the journey. “I would like to sincerely thank everyone who voted for me and supported me throughout this journey,” he said.
He added that every vote, message and word of encouragement contributed to the achievement and strengthened his belief in his music. With the regional title secured, Cate now turns his attention to the national stage, where he will compete against artists from other regions.
His journey from Hlatikulu to the NACA national platform highlights the determination required to build a music career away from the country’s main creative hubs. For Cate, however, the award is not the finish line. It is another step in a journey that continues to grow.
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(Courtesy Pic)
