BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI – The Shiselweni Region’s creative scene took centre stage on Saturday as artists, performers and cultural groups competed for recognition at the NACA Regional Festival held during Shiselweni Day.
The festival, hosted at King Sobhuza II Memorial Stadium, gave NACA nominees an opportunity to perform before an audience before the regional winners were revealed. The event formed part of a wider day of cultural activities that also included a march and performances.
The results reflected the variety of creative work coming out of Shiselweni, with recognition spanning music, poetry, modelling, crafts, dance and digital content.
THE WINNERS
- Best Fine Artist: Lindani Art
- Event: Amashiya Amahle Maskandi Festival
- Best Lutsango: Buseleni
- Regional Male: Imvungunyane & CY Ndukwemnyama
- Regional Best Female: Mrs Vee
- Regional Gospel: Mrs Vee & Samkelo Kenny G
- Best Hip Hop: Cate Official
- Best Regional Album: Mrs Vee
- Regional Upcoming Music Artist: Mrs Vee & CY Indukwemyama
- Regional Indigenous Artist: Master L & Cardo
- Best Regional Song: Siya Bayas
- Regional Music Video: Lastborn HR
- Best Poet: OPK, Comfort De Poet
- Best Crafts Artist: Ulamgangela Creations
- Maskandi Artist: Dilaboy, Khuzungezwa, Bacede Ngwenya & Mashibilika Basonga
- Content Creator: Abontanga
- Best Regional Collaboration: SDSS Music Group
- Best Model: Lindelwa Simelane & Temlandvo Dlamini
- Most Promising Talent: Bobo Rocboy
- Best Sibhaca: Buseleni
- Best Ingadla: Ingwe nenja
For the winners, the recognition marks more than a trophy moment. NACA Awards Chairperson Thamsanqa “KrTC” Sibandze reminded them that the regional stage is only part of the journey, with the national awards still ahead “If you were announced as a winner, it signifies that the journey has just commenced.” He encouraged the creatives to keep developing their craft as they prepare for the national awards scheduled for November.
ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini also reflected on the response from the creative community, praising the artists who participated and the audience that supported the festival. The festival also gave nominees a chance to perform on the newly introduced ENCAC mobile stage, adding a live-performance element to the awards process.
The strong turnout and range of performances highlighted the depth of creative activity in Shiselweni, while giving audiences an opportunity to see artists competing and performing on the same platform. With the regional results now settled, attention turns to the next NACA regional showcase in Pigg’s Peak, as creatives from other regions prepare for their own opportunity to compete for national recognition.
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