MBABANE — Eswatini’s award-winning gospel star Nothando Hlophe has dedicated her latest continental achievement to the people of Eswatini, following a heartfelt celebratory luncheon hosted in her honor by Eswatini Mobile.
The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pholile Shakantu, alongside members of the Hlophe family and key partners in the creative sector.
Hlophe recently clinched the Best of Africa Award at the prestigious Crown Gospel Awards, in Durban South Africa. She says the award belongs not to her alone, but to the entire country.
“I want to thank everyone who believed in my dream,” she said.
“This award and the success of the song belong to Emaswati. Eswatini is extremely talented, and when people recognize us as Swazi artists, it shows that something special is happening.”
Her chart-topping song, Methodist Medley, produced entirely in Eswatini, has become an African anthem amassing over 3 million YouTube views in over a month. In a luncheon, local creativity and the global reach of Eswatini’s music industry was one of the topics.
Shakantu, who also founded Genesis Ekuqaleni Production, the team behind the acclaimed Bakangwane film, praised the nation’s artistic potential.
“Eswatini is rich with talent that deserves investment,” she said. “As a nation, we must continue to support our creatives. When talent is supported, it grows. Our focus now is to elevate and monetize these skills for national development.”
Eswatini Mobile Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Sichula, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.
“At Eswatini Mobile, we are proud to have walked part of this journey with Nothando,” he said. “Our partnership with her is not a PR exercise; it is a deliberate alignment with His Majesty King Mswati III’s call to support local talent as a key driver of economic growth.”
Hlophe’s manager, Phindo Sithole, also expressed gratitude to Eswatini Mobile and Genesis Ekucaleni for believing in their vision. He noted that Emaswati continues to shine in the global creative space, carrying the country’s flag with pride and excellence.
As Hlophe’s star continues to rise across the continent, her message remains consistent: support your children’s gifts, whether in music, sport, or any talent worth nurturing.
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