BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE- Let the nominations begin!
The National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) 2026 has officially opened nominations for artists, creatives, cultural practitioners, content creators, schools, and arts organisations across the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The call for nominations follows the successful launch of NACA 2026 held on Friday, 12 June at Matsapa Lifestyle Lounge, attended by the Minister responsible for Arts and Culture, artists, development partners, sponsors, media representatives, and key stakeholders within the creative sector.
NACA 2026 Chairperson, Thamsanqa “KrTC” Sibandze, has encouraged all artists and creatives from every region of the country to take advantage of the opportunity and submit their nominations. “We are inviting all creatives to submit their entries and be part of NACA 2026. Every artist comes from a region, and we are encouraging artists to nominate through their respective regions.
NACA is about celebrating talent, creativity, innovation, and cultural excellence in every corner of Eswatini,” said Sibandze.
He further emphasized that NACA 2026 will not only culminate in a national awards ceremony but will also include Regional Arts Festivals and Awards beginning in July, creating more opportunities for artists to showcase their work and connect with audiences within their communities. “We are humbly requesting every creative to carefully review the list of categories and identify where they fit.
This year, we have expanded opportunities to include content creators, photographers, videographers, visual artists, innovators, digital creatives, and many other sectors of the creative economy,” he added.
The launch comes at a time when governments, development partners, and industry stakeholders across Africa are increasingly recognizing the creative economy as a strategic sector for employment creation, youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and economic growth.
Speaking on behalf of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Dlamini highlighted the significant growth of the awards platform over the years.
“During the previous NACA Awards cycle, we received more than 4,000 entries from artists across all regions of Eswatini. This year we anticipate even greater participation as artists continue to produce exceptional work and contribute to the growth of the creative industry,” said Dlamini.
Organisers further indicated that partnerships with private sector players, development agencies, government institutions, and industry stakeholders will play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and growth of the programme.
With a renewed focus on artist development, mentorship, capacity building, and industry growth, NACA 2026 is expected to evolve beyond an awards platform and become a national movement dedicated to unlocking opportunities, strengthening creative enterprises, and positioning Eswatini as a regional hub for arts and culture.
As anticipation continues to build, Chairperson KrTC called upon artists, stakeholders, sponsors, and development partners to unite behind the vision. “The future is creative. The future is collaborative. Let’s build,” he said.
NACA 2026 NOMINATION CLOSING DATES are as follows;
Lubombo Region
15 July 2025.
Shiselweni Region
28 July 2025.
Hhohho Region
5 August 2025.
Manzini Region
10 August 2025.
Artists are encouraged to submit their nominations before their respective regional closing dates.
This year’s NACA categories are;
Music Categories
• Best Regional Male Artist
• Best Regional Female Artist
• Best Regional Gospel Artist
• Best Regional Traditional Gospel Artist
• Best Regional Afro Pop Artist
• Best Regional Hip Hop Artist
• Best Regional Maskandi Artist
• Best Regional Indigenous Artist
• Best Regional DJ
• Best Regional Song
• Best Regional Music Video
• Best Regional Collaboration
• Best Regional Producer
• Best Regional Album / EP
• Best Upcoming Music Artist
Cultural & Traditional Arts
• Best Sibhaca Group
• Best Ingadla Group
• Best Lutsango Group
• Best Ummiso Group
• Best Cultural Dance Group
• Best Traditional Music Group
• Best Cultural Preservation Initiative
Performance Arts
• Best Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Theatre Production
• Best Comedian
• Best Dancer
• Best Choreographer
• Best Spoken Word Artist
• Best Poet
Visual & Creative Arts
• Best Fine Artist
• Best Crafts Artist
• Best Fashion Designer
• Best Model
• Best Photographer
• Best Videographer
Media & Digital Creatives
• Best Content Creator
• Best Radio Personality
• Best Social Media Creative
• Best Creative Brand
Schools Arts Categories
• Best School Choir
• Best School Drama Group
• Best School Cultural Dance Group
• Best School Poet
• Best School Actor
• Best School Actress
• Best School Ingadla Group
• Best School Sibhaca Group
• Best School Ummiso Group
Community & Industry Awards
• Best Festival or Event
• Best Arts Promoter
• Best Arts Trainer / Mentor
• Best Community Arts Initiative
• Best Arts Organisation
• Most Promising Talent
Special Regional Honours
• Regional Lifetime Achievement Award
• Regional Cultural Ambassador Award
• People’s Choice Award
• Outstanding Community Contribution Through Arts.
• Regional Icon Awards.
HOW TO NOMINATE
Nominations are open via WhatsApp and cost E5.00 per category.
1. Scan the official QR Code or visit:
https://tinyurl.com/NACAS2026
OR
2. Send the word NACA to +18622034403
3. Reply with your Full Name
4. Reply with your Email Address
5. Reply with Option 3 for Nominations
6. Follow the prompts to complete and secure your nomination(s).
For assistance, call or WhatsApp the support team on +268 7832 3095 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
For further information contact ,National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) on
WhatsApp: +268 7820 6155
“Celebrating Excellence. Empowering Creativity. Preserving Culture.”
(Courtesy Pic)
