BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE– Yamkela Khumalo is celebrating a major milestone in his creative journey after earning a nomination for Best Regional DJ at the Eswatini National Arts & Culture Awards (NACA) 2026.
The nomination has placed the DJ’s growing brand in the spotlight, with fans now being called upon to rally behind him as he battles for the prestigious accolade.
Speaking about the nomination, Khumalo said he was overwhelmed with excitement when he received the news.
“I was over the moon when I found out that I was nominated. Quite thrilled I must say.”
For Khumalo, the nomination is about more than an award. It represents years of persistence, self-belief and continuing to show up even when the journey has been challenging.
“On a personal level, it’s a testament to not giving up after so many years. On a broader level, I’m happy to see my brand gaining momentum not only in the region but the country at large,” he said.
Behind the decks, however, the journey has not always been smooth. Khumalo revealed that one of his biggest battles has been overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, something he believes affects many creatives.
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced is thinking I’m not good enough. Imposter syndrome plagues a lot of us in the creative space,” he said.
He credits prayer and a renewed sense of purpose for helping him overcome those doubts.
“I overcame it by prayer, asking God to centre my mind, and thus using the gifts that He has given me to impact people in a positive way. There’s no better feeling than hearing someone say that they’ve enjoyed my set,” Khumalo said.
The DJ also expressed gratitude to his supporters, saying their encouragement continues to push him to deliver his best.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without their support. It fuels me, and encourages me to do more and always be at my best at all times,” he said.
With the NACA nomination adding another spark to his career, Khumalo is already looking beyond the awards. He promised fans more engaging sets, international gigs and his own production, signalling an ambitious next chapter for the DJ.
Fans can vote for YAMKELA, Code 29500, by following the official NACA voting process and selecting Option 2 – Voting.
For Khumalo, a win would be more than a trophy — it would be another reminder that persistence can eventually turn the volume up on a dream.
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(Courtesy Pic)
