BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
EZULWINI – The Eswatini entertainment world, stakeholders and honoured guests got together for the unveiling of the Eswatini National Arts and Culture Awards 2024 nominees on Thursday morning at Sibane Sami Hotel, Ezulwini.
The national nominees Is comprised of regional winners and shelved established artists.
The first ever edition of the NACAs revealed 700 nominees with 50 winners expected to be produced during awards ceremony set to take place in 14 December, at a venue yet to be announced.
The NACAs serve as a platform that promotes, celebrates and empower artists not only at national but also at regional level across the country.
Over the past weeks the NACAs were busy unearthing new talent at grassroots level as they hosted regional awards that produced winners who are now set to compete with established artists.
Seasoned Media personality and Hip hop artist KRTC, the host of the day, said one of the highest honors that any creative can ever receive is an award for their work from industry peers and fans.
The talented MC said the award was right up there with a sold-out concert, a packed art exhibition, streams, impressions, and selling music, books, or poetry by the millions.
He added that the National Arts and Culture Awards serve exactly that purpose—to recognize, elevate, and celebrate those who use the powerful languages of art to tell their unique stories.
“Today, we gather to honor our artists, the dreamers, and the storytellers who inspire us all, ”he said.
NACA Chairperson Sipho Makhabane thanked the Arts and Culture office for providing artists with this platform.
He said this platform is where artists both established and upcoming, showcase their creativity, passion and talent.
Furthermore, Makhabane encouraged artists to be united and work together. He said artists should strive for excellence and put more dedication to their craft and avoid fighting with their counterparts.
“We are excited with the entries, the artists went all out for the awards ceremony and we appreciate that. We encourage media houses to give them a platform as they ask their fans to vote for them, we wish them all the best,” the NACA Chairperson said.
During the black affair event, Award-winning legendary gospel group, Shiba and the Travellers opened the ceremony with a high-energy performance which included his popular song ‘Indaba Yesiphambano’, much to the excitement of the audience.
Poet Christian Maz was another performer who dazzled the audience with a moving performance.
CEO Stanley Dlamini encouraged artists to put more effort in canvassing for votes while also urging established artists to participate in the awards to prove the award ceremony’s legitimacy. Dlamini wished to see awards ceremonies changing artists’ lives and encouraged the nation to support them.
“Artists should know that it is time to celebrate themselves and time to celebrate and define their profession so that it becomes attractive to your fans,” he said.
He added that an arts summit was on the pipeline for all the nominees while adding that all winners would receive a trophy and a cash prize.
On the other hand, award-winning seasoned musician, Mshikishi Mdzebele urged other artists and the nation to learn to support their own for the betterment of the local music industry. He concluded his speech with an energetic performance.
The award to be won by artists was also unveiled by during the event. Voting lines will be officially opened tonight and artists will be given their voting numbers today.
Voting lines will close on 12 December.
