By Siphesihle Dlamini
In every nation, some voices do more than speak; they guide, they inspire, they hold the fragile threads of an audience’s attention and weave them into something whole, meaningful, and unforgettable.
In Eswatini, one such voice belongs to Mnqobi Tsabedze, a young man whose gift for program directing has elevated him from the intimate stages of church gatherings to the grand platforms of fashion shows, award ceremonies, and cross-border spectacles.
To call him a Master of Ceremonies would almost feel too limiting. He is not just someone who announces, introduces, or fills the pauses in programs. Instead, he is a custodian of flow, a conductor of energy, and perhaps most importantly, a guardian of atmosphere.
“Program directing is a calling, I still say,” Mnqobi reflected in conversation with Eswatini Sunday. “I was called to be a professional program director.
The privilege to stand in front of thousands of people awards you the honour and challenge to impact them in all kinds of ways, hence not everyone would have that calling.”
Those who have seen him work will agree: Mnqobi does not simply occupy the stage; he inhabits it. He blends charisma with discipline, flair with strategy, and fashion with eloquence.
He does not just speak to people; he connects with them on a deeper level. His words, gestures, and timing form a kind of choreography that turns ordinary gatherings into memorable experiences.
For Mnqobi, the journey into program directing began long before professional gigs came calling. He traces his roots to his church days, where he first tested his ability to command a crowd.
There, amidst the hymns and sermons, he learned what it meant to carry people with words. “My journey as a program director started years ago at the church level,” he explained.
Yet, it was not until 2017, when he stood confidently at a local fashion show, that the professional chapter of his story began.
“Like any other form of art,” he said thoughtfully, “program directing is a calling. I guess I didn’t choose it, but it chose me, and I did not fight it but accepted the calling.
” While many performers readily list mentors and idols as central to their development, Mnqobi takes a more introspective approach. “I have built myself to be the greatest candidate to influence me,” he remarked firmly.
He believes overreliance on external influences can dilute one’s authenticity. “Being influenced by someone greatly may sometimes change your being yourself and your authenticity as you grow to be the best version of yourself.”
That said, he does not shy away from acknowledging the legends who paved the way. Locally, he speaks with respect for names like Tjovitjo, Thamsanqa KrTC Sibandze, Nathi Gule, Mdura, and Phila PhD Dlamini, men whose work set standards for what entertainment,
rhythm, and hosting could be. Beyond Eswatini’s borders, he admires Tebogo ‘ProVerb’ Thekisho and Lawrence Maleka, both household names in South Africa. “Overall, greatness cannot be built by one character,” he mused.
“Henceforth, I draw inspiration from different personalities and persons. Having such legends in your time makes your journey more enjoyable and exciting.”
What exactly makes a Mnqobi Tsabedze event different? It is, he insists, about preparation and adaptability. “It’s a case of different approaches for different events,” he explained.
Whether it’s a wedding, a gala, or a fashion show, Mnqobi studies the event structure with almost academic rigour. “My role as an MC for that event is to do an in-depth study of how the event is crafted and structured to meet its standards and what it needs overall to make the client happy.”
Preparation is not just about memorising names or rehearsing lines. It is about understanding tone, audience expectation, and program rhythm. For Mnqobi, every event is its own ecosystem, demanding a tailored approach.
This philosophy, he says, is why he encourages clients to book him early. “I always advise my clients and potential clients to reach out at their earliest convenience, so I get all the time to prepare and study that event,” he explained.
In a career that has already spanned countless stages, Mnqobi refuses to single out one gig as the ultimate highlight. Instead, he insists that each event carries its own unforgettable weight.
“Amongst the many stages that I have stood on, I still pride myself in acknowledging that every event that I do, I make memorable,” he said with quiet confidence.
Yet, when pressed, he admits that the Mpumalanga Doek on Fleek event remains special. It was not just the size of the audience, but its diversity, that tested and strengthened him.
“This is where I got to expand my territory and challenge my capabilities,” he recalled. The multicultural, multilingual crowd demanded flexibility, but Mnqobi rose to the occasion.
“The experience of standing in front of an audience of different cultures and languages made the event even more memorable.”
Though his work seems effortless, Mnqobi insists that mastery lies in preparation. In the days leading to a performance, he guards his voice, avoids fatigue, and prioritises rest. “I cannot afford to be fatigued during an event as that would limit my capabilities,” he explained.
On the actual day, he is meticulous: he arrives early, checks the sound, scans the venue, and familiarises himself with the setup. These rituals, he says, keep anxiety at bay. “This then helps me not to have pressure at all and keeps my focus entirely on the show.”
For him, the moment the program begins is liberation. “Action day is the best time for me in my line of work,” he said brightly. “This is where I finally get to offload what I had prepared in front of an audience.”
No career is without hurdles, but Mnqobi approaches challenges with remarkable calm. “As the creative person I am, things that seem like challenges to me tend not to get to me as hard as they should,” he said.
He explained that he anticipates issues before they happen, reducing crises to what he calls “minor glitches.”
When real obstacles arise, he does not panic. “The best way to overcome a challenge is preparation,” he explained. His method: acknowledge the challenge, accept it, and then quickly design a solution to protect the flow of the event.
Though he insists he does not seek external validation, Mnqobi admits that recognition can be affirming. Among his proudest moments are winning awards at the Eswatini Creators Awards hosted by Swazi Boy Entertainment, as well as the Jumbo Dinner Awards. “It’s also nice and amazing to be rewarded for what you do,” he said. “Those were rewarding moments in my career.”
Mnqobi is far from satisfied with his current success. His eyes are set on expansion, beyond Eswatini, into international markets.
“My aspirations and goals as an MC going forward are to break virgin territories and implement what has never been done before by program directors,” he said. Growth, he insists, is natural. “I cannot say I do not enjoy working from the territory I’m in, but everyone wants growth and part of everyone now, LOL.”
The future, he says, feels close. “The future seems far, but it’s very near for me where I’m standing. I am aiming to break new ground and explore spaces that have not been exhausted and explored yet, also on an international level.”
His message to aspiring MCs is consistent: authenticity is everything. “Be you as much as possible,” he advised. “We cannot have Mnqobi’s clone, we need him to be him and you as you. Nothing will set you apart from the rest if you are not you.”
He also stresses the importance of learning. He urges beginners to attend workshops, study the work of experienced MCs, and equip themselves with industry knowledge. “Make sure you equip yourself as you try to navigate the industry,” he encouraged.
Finally, he offers a crucial lesson from his own journey: know your brand. “No one wants to associate themselves with someone who doesn’t even understand who they are, and they do not have standards and morals for themselves,” he explained. To him, professionalism is not just about performance, it is about identity, character, and consistency.
In every word, every gesture, and every appearance, Mnqobi Tsabedze embodies what it means to be a modern MC: disciplined, stylish, adaptable, and authentic. He is both a student and teacher of his craft, continuously learning while generously sharing lessons.
Standing on stages across Eswatini and beyond, Mnqobi does not just host events, he creates experiences. His story is a reminder that program directing, when done with passion and purpose, is more than filling time between acts. It is, as he says, a calling.
And in answering that call, Mnqobi Tsabedze has become the maestro of ceremonies, a shining figure in Eswatini’s cultural tapestry.
Away from the glamour of flashing lights and thunderous applause, Mnqobi Tsabedze remains a man of striking humility.
He often remarks that program directing is not just about “being the loudest voice in the room,” but about listening, adapting, and serving the audience and client with equal respect.
“At the end of the day, my job is to make sure that the client’s vision is executed with perfection while the audience feels at home. If I achieve that balance, then I have done justice to my calling.”
It is this rare blend of confidence and humility that has earned him admiration among peers and unwavering loyalty from clients who insist he brings a magic no one else can replicate.
