Thousands gathered at the King Sobhuza Memorial Stadium over the weekend as the Shiselweni NACA Regional Festival brought together artists and creatives from across the region in a celebration of talent, culture and the creative arts.
The festival, held as part of the Shiselweni Day celebrations, provided a platform for nominees in the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) to showcase their talents before the winners were announced.
All nominees were allowed to perform before a live audience, with the final recipients determined through a combination of judges’ evaluations and votes accumulated by each participating artist.
The awards aim to recognise excellence and outstanding achievement within Eswatini’s arts and culture sector, while providing emerging and established creatives with opportunities to develop their careers.
This year’s winners will receive more than trophies and certificates, with the National Music Development Programme set to provide mentorship opportunities designed to strengthen skills across the creative industry.
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The programme will focus on developing professionals in areas such as sound engineering, songwriting and other disciplines that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the creative sector.
Announcing the Shiselweni regional winners, NACA Awards Chairperson Thamsanqa “KrTC” Sibandze congratulated the successful creatives while urging them to view their regional victories as the beginning of a bigger journey.
Sibandze said those who emerged victorious would now have to prepare for the national stage, where they will compete against winners from other regions.
“If you were announced as a winner, it signifies that the journey has just commenced, as you are now expected to advance to the national level.
As you are all aware, the national awards ceremony will be held on 28 November this year at a venue to be announced.
I encourage you to continue working diligently and to prepare yourselves for the upcoming national competition,” said Sibandze.
Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini also praised creatives in the Shiselweni Region for turning out in large numbers and participating in the awards.
Dlamini said the strong attendance demonstrated the level of interest and commitment among artists and the wider community towards the development of the creative sector.
“The high attendance shows the passion and dedication these artists have for their craft. Such enthusiasm motivates us as a council to continue organising programmes and initiatives like this.
For us, everyone involved in the awards is a winner, as it takes courage and confidence to participate. We are grateful to all the creatives who took part,” Dlamini stated.
The large turnout also provided artists with an opportunity to connect with audiences and fellow creatives while gaining exposure in a live performance environment.
The regional festival forms part of a broader programme to take the NACA Awards closer to artists across the country and create opportunities for creatives to participate in the national arts recognition platform.
With the Shiselweni leg now concluded, attention will shift to the northern part of the country, where the next NACA Awards festival is scheduled to take place in Pigg’s Peak on August 15, 2026.
The regional events will culminate in the national awards ceremony scheduled for November 28, 2026, where the country’s top-performing creatives will be recognised.
SHISELWENI NACA WINNERS LIST
1. Best Fine Artist – Lindani Art
2. Event – Amashiya Amahle Maskandi Festival
3. Best Lutsango- Buseleni
4. Regional Male – Imvungunyane & CY Ndukwemnyama
5. Regional Best Female – Mrs Vee
6. Regional Gospel- Mrs Vee & Samkelo Kenny G
7. Best Hip Hop – Cate Official
8. Best Regional Album – Mrs Vee
9. Regional Upcoming Music Artist – Mrs Vee & CY Indukwemyama
10. Regional Indigenous Artist- Master L & Cardo
11. Best Regional Song – Siya Bayas
12. Regional Music Video – Lastborn HR
13. Best Poet – OPK, Comfort De Poet
14. Best Crafts Artist- Ulamgangela Creations
15. Maskandi Artist- Dilaboy, Khuzungezwa, Bacede Ngwenya, Mashibilika Basonga
16. Content Creator- Abontanga
17. Best Regional Collaboration – SDSS Music Group
18. Best Model – Lindelwa Simelane & Temlandvo Dlamini
19. Most Promising Talent – Bobo Rocboy
20. Best Sibhaca – Buseleni
21. Best Ingandla – Ingwe nenja
