MBABANE – Popular cultural artist Mkhuleko Mangwe, widely known as Sancheziey, has launched an exciting initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing talented young women passionate about traditional dance and cultural performance.
The initiative, which is currently underway through a TikTok challenge, seeks to recruit new members for Batukulu, the official cultural troupe that performs alongside Sancheziey at various events.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the project, Sancheziey revealed that the idea was born from the overwhelming number of requests he has received from young women wishing to join his cultural dance team.
“To be honest, I have been inspired by the number of requests I’ve been getting from ladies, especially to join the lelibutfo. The persistence of some tells you how much they need this opportunity,” he said.
He explained that together with Batukulu leader Simphiweyinkhosi Sibisi and the management team, they decided to create an open platform that would give more aspiring performers a chance to showcase their talent.
“We strongly believe this will motivate many young women. Their interest in us comes from their love and commitment to culture. As one person said, no one has a right to deprive another from practising culture,” he added.
The competition consists of two stages. The first stage is an online audition currently taking place on TikTok, where participants are required to join a dance challenge using the official sound available on the platform. Selection at this stage will be based purely on talent and performance.
From the online auditions, 25 candidates will be shortlisted for live auditions and interviews. A judging panel comprising Simphiweyinkhosi Sibisi, Mabhodweni, and former Miss Cultural Heritage Second Princess Senamile Mwali will then select the final candidates.
The live auditions will assess participants’ ability to perform different cultural dance routines, while interviews will help judges understand the character and personality behind the talent.
“The interview process is important because we also want to know the person behind the skill and determine whether she possesses good character,” he explained.
Successful candidates from the online stage will be contacted directly through TikTok and invited to attend the live auditions.
Interestingly, there are no strict requirements to enter the competition.
“Nothing is needed besides skill and talent,” he stated.
At the end of the process, the top eight performers will earn the opportunity to perform alongside Sancheziey at the highly anticipated MoMo Xperience. Another eight contestants will join Batukulu and remain on standby for future performances and cultural events.
Batukulu leader Simphiweyinkhosi Sibisi welcomed the initiative, saying it creates a valuable platform for young women who are passionate about preserving and promoting Eswatini culture.
“This is more than just selecting dancers for an event. It is about giving talented young women an opportunity to express themselves through culture, grow their confidence, and become ambassadors of our traditions. We are looking forward to discovering passionate individuals who will help us keep our cultural heritage alive,” said Sibisi.
The initiative is expected to attract significant interest from aspiring cultural dancers across the country, while further strengthening the role of traditional performance in Eswatini’s entertainment and cultural landscape.
Discussion about this post