BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI — Under the glow of stage lights, Sinetiso Simelane, better known as MC Tiso, doesn’t just hold a microphone — she owns it.
Her voice, brimming with confidence and charm, has become one of Eswatini’s most recognisable sounds in the entertainment scene.
Tiso’s journey to the spotlight began far from the stage. She started her career in the newsroom, where she nurtured a deep love for storytelling and communication. That passion soon evolved into a dynamic profession that now allows her to inform, entertain, and connect with people across borders.
Speaking about her path, Tiso reportedly shared that she had always enjoyed engaging with others and creating energy wherever she went. She described her career as one that perfectly merges her love for interaction, creativity, and expression.
Her rise as one of Eswatini’s leading masters of ceremonies was no accident. Tiso dedicated herself to studying the craft, learning from established figures in the field, and polishing her performance with every opportunity. One of her most memorable experiences, she said, was hosting the UJ After Party in South Africa — a moment that reminded her that talent and energy transcend nationality. The audience’s warmth, she explained, made her feel right at home despite being in another country.
Preparation, she said, was her secret weapon. Before every event, she took time to research, visualise, and mentally prepare, describing her process as a ritual of focus and self-assurance. “Confidence,” she often tells aspiring MCs, “comes naturally when you are prepared.”
Away from the spotlight, Tiso wears many hats — reporter, content creator, and storyteller. She admits that balancing these roles requires focus and intentionality. As a reporter, she said she has learned patience and precision, while as a content creator, she has mastered adaptability and trend awareness without compromising her authenticity.
Her inspiration, she revealed, comes from real-life stories and the emotions of people she meets every day. She said she carefully chooses projects that align with her values and vision, explaining that if a project does not help her grow, she prefers not to take it on.
Though many describe her as vibrant, confident, and passionate, Tiso confessed that she is actually shy in person. However, she said passion and consistency have helped her transform on stage into the bold, magnetic MC that audiences have come to adore.
Her role models — Bonang Matheba and Teyana Taylor — reflect her own mix of creativity, grace, and determination. Like them, she believes in reinvention and versatility, traits that continue to fuel her success.
What truly sets Tiso apart, however, is her commitment to inspiring others. She uses her platform to mentor young women, urging them to focus on positivity, professionalism, and self-belief. “The entertainment industry can be tough,” she said, “but kindness, confidence, and consistency will always open doors.”
Looking ahead, Tiso envisions herself hosting international events, becoming a globally recognised media personality, and launching her own media platform to empower others. Her tone when speaking about the future reflects quiet certainty — her dreams, she believes, are already unfolding.
Tiso’s story is one of courage, passion, and transformation — a journey from the newsroom to the stage that proves that with purpose and perseverance, any dream is possible. As she often says, “The crowd gives me life, but it’s the purpose behind the performance that keeps me going.”
In every cheer that echoes her name, Eswatini celebrates not just an entertainer, but an inspiration — a woman who has become her own greatest motivation.
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