BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI— The NACA Regional Awards are heading to Hhohho this weekend, giving artists and other creatives in the region a chance to put their work before an audience and compete for regional recognition.
The Hhohho Regional Festival will take place on Saturday at Gobolondlo Hall in Pigg’s Peak, starting at 10 a.m. The programme will feature performances by nominees alongside exhibitions by fine artists and designers.
The festival follows successful regional showcases in Lubombo and Shiselweni, with Hhohho becoming the next stop in the NACA regional awards programme. Regional winners will eventually progress to the national awards, where they will compete for national titles.
NACA Awards Chairman Thamsanqa “KrTC” Sibandze said the Hhohho event is another opportunity to recognise creatives who have put themselves forward through the awards. “We are looking forward to bringing this important movement to Hhohho this weekend after successfully concluding events in two regions.”
He also congratulated the creatives who submitted nominations, describing the process as one that requires courage and passion. Beyond the performances and awards, this year’s NACA programme is also placing greater attention on developing skills within the creative industry.
ENCAC Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini said the National Music Development Programme (NMDP) will focus on helping creatives gain practical industry skills, rather than limiting the programme to awards and certificates.
The programme is expected to cover areas including sound engineering and music business, with South African music business consultant Vusi Leeuw secured to coordinate the initiative after the national awards. The Hhohho festival therefore comes with more than the excitement of finding out who takes home regional honours.
It also forms part of a wider effort to give local creatives performance exposure while preparing them with skills that can help them navigate the music and arts industry. After Hhohho, the NACA regional programme moves to Manzini on 22 August, before the national awards stage begins.
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(Courtesy Pic)
