BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – After a six year hiatus the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACAs) are set to return this year.
The National Arts and Culture Awards will take place in November 2024. This was confirmed by Eswatini National Council OF Arts CEO Stanley Dlamini today. He shared with this publication that the awards will start at regional level then to national level. The wards were last hosted in 2018.
The awards will once again celebrate the artistic talents of Eswatini. According to Dlamini, 29 awards will be bestowed upon deserving local artists in various arts codes, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award and Legendary Award.
Dlamini expressed excitement for the return of the awards, and said, “This event is a vital part of our mandate to identify, develop, and celebrate the arts and culture of the Kingdom of Eswatini. This year’s awards will be unique, as we’ve devised a new format that will give every artist in Eswatini a chance to shine. We’re covering every corner of the country, starting with Tinkhundla Centres, moving to Regional Awards, and culminating in the National Awards. This approach will ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate,” said Dlamini.
The awards ceremony promises to be a grand celebration of Eswatini’s vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. Artists and arts organisations alike have expressed their enthusiasm for the return of the National Arts and Culture Awards.
“It’s a great honour to be able to showcase our creativity and hard work in a public forum,” said renowned visual artist Mandla Mamba. “I’m excited to see the calibre of talent that will be on display at the Awards.”
Sifiso Mabuza, a singer and musician, added, “These awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to come together and celebrate our rich artistic culture. I can’t wait to see who takes home the coveted prizes!”
Arts institutions such as the ASTG and the Film Association also weighed in on the upcoming awards.
“We are thrilled to be part of this event that recognises and rewards the artistic achievements of our talented artists,” said Theatre Director Sibusiso Dlamini. “It’s important for us as a country to support and encourage our creative community, and this ceremony will go a long way in doing just that.”
The excitement is palpable in Eswatini’s artistic circles, as artists, institutions, and patrons eagerly await the return of the National Arts and Culture Awards in 2024.