MBABANE – Eswatini’s spoken-word artist Mzwandile “Lution” Nxumalo is currently representing the country in the United States under the International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP), a prestigious initiative run by the US State Department.
In an interview with the Times of Eswatini, Lution said being selected by the US Embassy to join the programme was a personal milestone and a moment of national pride, as it placed Eswatini’s creative sector on a global stage.
Themed “Economic Development through the Arts,” the programme, which began on June 21, brings together emerging African cultural leaders to examine how the creative economy can support sustainable development. It is being administered by the Meridian International Center.
So far, Lution has visited four US cities, engaging with policy experts, cultural organisations, and entrepreneurs.
“In Washington D.C., we looked at how cultural policy works at a federal level. We met with institutions that support the arts nationally, and I believe Eswatini can build something similar where government actively supports youth-led projects,” he said.
He said Cincinnati, Ohio offered a closer look at how municipal governments and private organisations collaborate to support creative start-ups. “They run arts incubators that provide funding, mentorship and management skills. It sparked ideas for structured arts entrepreneurship back home,” he told the Times.
In New Orleans, he found inspiration in how the city blends heritage with innovation to fuel tourism and inclusivity. “It’s a city built on cultural resilience. Their public-private partnerships allow for year-round events that generate income and protect identity,” he said.
Lution added that the platform has given him an opportunity to tell Eswatini’s story and connect with peers from across Africa. The experience, he said, has expanded his thinking on how creative industries can shape national economies.
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