By EPN Reporter
MBABANE – In an event that showcased creativity and artistry from artists, the NACA Hhohho Regional awards edition was absolutely thrilling as it painted the town of Pigg’s Peak black.
This was during the final segment of the regional awards ceremony held on Wednesday, 23 October at the REO offices. The awards ceremony honoured the Hhohho region’s top musical talent, fashion artistry and fine artists. Each category winner received a certificate and E500. The money will be used to garner votes during the National awards ceremony set to take place on 14 December.
Returning host, Media personality and Hip hop KRTC led the full-house, high energy, multi-genre day of music alongside Bandisa Dlamini.
Gospel artist Bubu Nkosi opened the show with a joy-filled performance. Multiple guest performers surprised the audience including, Swaziman the poet, Gogo Mbila Makhoyane, M. Triggerson and Fufu.
Gospel sensation Fakazi Samuel, Hip hop artists Young Zesh and Lyrikal Busta reigned supreme at the ceremony as they walked away with two awards. Mkhuzweni Chiefdom was also a biggest winner with three awards. Fakazi Samuel scooped the Outstanding artist and song while Young Zesh won Outstanding Hip hop and album. Hip Hop artist Lyrikal Busta won outstanding music video and male. Country music singer Cleopatra Methula walked away with the Outstanding Country music artist.
The NACA regional awards also bestowed special honors to industry titans such as DJ DD COOL who continue creating a legacy of excellence that reaches and influences the masses within the music industry.
Exciting house DJ duo TrendTwinz scooped the Outstanding newcomer award while gospel outfit, The Lillies Choir walked away with the Outstanding Gospel Artist. The Outstanding Afro-Soul gong went to Fufu.
Nelizwe took a moment to showcase his reciting skills with a brief poem as he received his Outstanding Poet award.
Hip hop artist Young Zesh thanked Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) for the platform and his fans for voting for him. The artist urged his fans to continue voting for him during the national awards.
“I am deeply thankful to my incredible fans who have stood by me on this journey. Your love and encouragement inspire me daily, and I am truly blessed to have you in my corner” the hip hop artist said on winning his awards.
While accepting her award as the Outstanding Afro-Soul artist, Fufu said she was on the verge of giving up her music career but the award inspired her to soldier on. The Afro-Soul rendered a spirit performance of her hit song ‘Sawubona’.
Life Achievement Award winner, Poppy Khoza expressed her excitement for the award while also urging ENCAC to empower the youth. After revealing that she recently celebrated her 80th birthday, she was showered with money in cash with Minister Jabulani ‘Buy Cash’ Mabuza leading by example.
ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini expressed his excitement following the success of the NACA regional awards. He urged the nation to continue supporting arts and culture in the country.
Full list of Winners:
Outstanding Poet – Nelizwe Dlamini
Outstanding Designer – Nkhosinomusa Gumbi
Outstanding Ligabazi – Noncedo Mamba
Outstanding Actor – Siphosethu Sibandze
Outstanding Hip Hop Artist – Young Zesh
Outstanding Newcomer – TrendTwinz
Outstanding Gospel Artist – The Lillies Choir
Outstanding Afro-Soul Artist – Fufu
Outstanding Artist – Fakazi Samuel
Outstanding DJ – DJ Cup
Outstanding Song- Fakazi Samuel
Outstanding Female – Stella Jacobs
Outstanding Male – Lyrikal Busta
Outstanding Music Video – Lyrikal Busta
Outstanding Indigenous Artist – Tfobhi Shongwe
Outstanding Sibhaca -Maphalaleni
Ingadla – Mkhuzweni
Emajaha – Mkhuzweni
Outstanding Album – Young Zesh
Outstanding Country Music Artist – Cleopatra Methula
Outstanding Choreographer – Phindile Dlamini
Honorary award winners:
Mdumseni ‘DD COOL’ Simelane
Thobile Magagula
Cultural Institutions Honorary Awards winners:
Mkhuzweni Chiefdom
Maphalaleni
Life Achievement Award winners:
Poppy Khoza
Mangomeni Ndzimandze
