BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– Eswatini’s gospel music sensation Sphiwo ‘Ndoni’ Ndlangamandla is set to elevate the nation’s musical heritage to international heights.
He joins an elite 10-member cultural troupe as the sole performing artist tasked with representing the Kingdom’s diverse sounds at the 39th Surajkund Mela International Crafts Mela in New Delhi, India.
The delegation is scheduled to leave the country this Wednesday, January 28, 2026, for a three-week mission that runs from January 30th to February 19th, 2026. Ndoni, who has dominated the airwaves with hits like “Ndlondlobala,” “Waze Wetsembeka,” and “Insindiso Iyangisebenzela,” expressed immense gratitude during the official send-off held on January 26, 2026, at the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs.
“I would like to say thank you very much to the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs for giving me this opportunity to be part of the group that is going to India this year,” Ndoni stated, reflecting on his selection as a cultural ambassador. He noted that being chosen among many talented artists was a significant honor, adding, “I am so humbled and excited to be part of this team.”
The award-winning artist, recently recognized as the Best of Africa Artist of the Year at the Mgoma Gospel Awards, joins a team of specialists in Ingadla, Sibhaca, and Lutsango. Together, they will perform before a projected audience of one million visitors daily. Ndoni emphasized that the group is fully prepared to handle the weight of the nation’s expectations.
“We promise that we will represent our country very well,” he assured the Ministry officials and the nation. His commitment to excellence was evident as he concluded his remarks with a vow of dedication: “We will give our best, we will give our all, and you will be proud of us.”
As the troupe departs on Wednesday, Ndoni stands as the musical heartbeat of the delegation. Charged by Minister Bongani Nzima to be a “cultural beacon,” the gospel star is ready to prove that Eswatini’s spiritual and traditional music can resonate with the millions gathered in New Delhi.
#EPN #SphiwoNdoni #EswatiniToTheWorld #SurajkundMela2026 #SwaziGospel #CulturalAmbassadors #KingdomOfEswatini
(Courtesy Pic)
