BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
EZULWINI – A whooping E1.8 million sponsorship!
The launch of the Eswatini National Arts and Culture Awards (NACAs) that was held yesterday at the Happy Valley Ezulwini was a night to remember.
The sponsors who came on board sponsored the eight edition of the much anticipated awards with over E1.8 million from media sponsorship and in-kind sponsorship from industry giants. The several major sponsors, that pledged their support include; Rubicon Group, Times of Eswatini, Dot.Media, Mollies Group, SP Media, and Eswatini TV, pledging their support and contributing over E1.8 million in media and in-kind sponsorship.
Hosted by the dashing KrTC, the ceremony was a celebration of Eswatini’s rich arts and culture scene.
The launch was attended by the Honourable Minister of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture CEO Stanley Dlamini, different media houses, stakeholders, corporate representatives and invited guests.
The evening began with a series of captivating performances, showcasing the diversity and talent of Eswatini’s artists. From Buhle Matsenjwa’s soulful melody of Gospel music to Lutsango’s energetic traditional beats, the crowd was entranced. M Nation and Gogo na Slwane added to the electrifying atmosphere, while Majaha Nkonyane brought a touch of poetry flair.
But the night wasn’t just about entertainment. The highlight of the evening came when the Honourable Minister and CEO Stanley Dlamini unveiled the new NACAs logo, created by the talented Thabiso Themba, who won the design contest and took home a cash prize of E5 000.
The programme also featured an informative presentation by Dlamini on the purpose and importance of the NACAs, which aim to celebrate the best of Eswatini’s arts and culture scene.
The guest of honour, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, emphasised the significance of the awards and encouraged sponsors to support this initiative. He reminded the audience of the key pillars and policies that underpin the NACAs, and the importance of preserving and promoting Eswatini’s cultural heritage.
The night ended on a high note, with the almost E2m sponsorship from different stakeholders.
Overall, the launch of the NACAs was a resounding success, setting the stage for a year of celebration and recognition of Eswatini’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
