BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA (INTERN)
MBABANE – Nominations for the OGF Poetry Awards 2026 have officially opened, inviting the public to recognise poets shaping Eswatini’s growing and vibrant creative storytelling community.
The OGF Movement has once again set the stage for what promises to be a bigger and more impactful edition of the awards, aimed at celebrating excellence, creativity and influence within the country’s poetry space. The initiative continues to position itself not only as an awards platform, but also as a developmental hub that nurtures talent and creates opportunities for artists.
This year’s awards feature six categories: Best Poetry Collaboration/Feature, Best Poetry Video Award, Best Upcoming Poet, Best Poet of the Year, Best Poetry Show, and Best Female Poet. Each category is designed to recognise different aspects of poetic expression, from performance and collaboration to visual storytelling and platform-building.
Winners will receive prize packages that extend beyond trophies, including recording opportunities, sponsored productions, rehearsal sessions, and wellness experiences. Cash prizes, determined by sponsorship contributions, will also form part of the rewards. In addition, all winners will receive OGF merchandise and have their creative journeys documented by national television, further amplifying their reach and visibility.
The awards are supported by several partners, including Jonokuhle Upholstery, Zani Ashes Films, Elephant Designs, The Music Lounge, Final Episode Records, Inhlalabantfu Guest House, and SS Tranquillity Spa. Their involvement highlights a growing commitment from local businesses to invest in the arts and support sustainable creative careers.
Members of the public are encouraged to participate by nominating their favourite poets, shows, or even themselves through official OGF platforms. The top four nominees with the highest public engagement will advance to the voting stage.
Nominations close on 24 April 2026 at midnight, marking the first step in what is expected to be another milestone celebration of Eswatini’s poetic talent.
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