BY NELIWE NGUBANE
PIGGS PEAK– The countdown to the inaugural Hhohho Regional NACA Awards has begun, with the National Council of Arts and Culture (NACA) urging artists to seize the platform as more than just a competition, but as an opportunity to measure their growth and elevate Eswatini’s creative industry.
Voting is officially underway after the nominees for the Hhohho Regional Awards were unveiled. Winners will be crowned during the Hhohho Regional Awards and Festival on August 15 in Piggs Peak before advancing to represent the region at the NACA National Finals scheduled for November 28.
Chairperson of the Arts and Culture Awards, Thamsanga “KrTc” Sibandze, described the awards as a mirror for the country’s creative sector, challenging artists to reflect on their progress rather than focusing solely on winning.
“Awards are more than just trophies. They’re an opportunity for the industry to pause and ask itself an important question: How are we really doing? Think of it as a litmus test. Are we evolving? Are we pushing the standard? Or are we getting comfortable?” he said.
Sibandze encouraged creatives to use the moment to assess their personal brands, saying recognition should be accompanied by continuous improvement.
“Winning is great, but growth is even greater,” he added.
Speaking about the significance of introducing regional awards ahead of the national finals, Sibandze said artistic development begins within local communities.
“Development doesn’t start at the national stage. It starts in our communities. The regional awards create opportunities for artists at every level to participate in the same ecosystem.”
He explained that the nomination process was designed to be inclusive, allowing artists, managers, record labels and members of the public to nominate deserving creatives before all eligible entries underwent the same adjudication process.
Looking ahead to the festival, Sibandze said he expects audiences to witness authentic performances from artists eager to prove they belong on the national stage.
“This isn’t just about winning Hhohho. It’s about proving that you’re ready to represent your region at the national level and, ultimately, that your art is good enough to represent Eswatini on the world stage.”
He also called on emaSwati to actively participate in the public vote.
“When you vote, you’re saying, ‘I see you. I believe in what you’re creating.’ Artists don’t grow in isolation. They grow because communities choose to stand behind them.”
With nominations now closed and the nominees officially revealed, all eyes are on Hhohho as artists compete not only for regional honours but also for the chance to carry the region’s flag at the national finals later this year.
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(Courtesy Pic)
