MATSAPHA – Renowned entertainment figure and hip-hop veteran Thamsanqa “KrTC” Sibandze has been officially appointed Chairperson of the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) 2026.
This marks the beginning of what promises to be a transformative chapter for Eswatini’s creative industry.The announcement was made during the official launch of NACA 2026 held at Matsapha Lifestyle Lounge on Friday, 12 June 2026.
The awards initiative, which seeks to empower and celebrate creatives across the Kingdom, unveiled this year’s theme, “From Recognition to Development,” reflecting a renewed focus on industry growth and sustainability.
Speaking after his appointment, Sibandze expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized that NACA 2026 would be about much more than awarding trophies.
“Firstly, I receive this appointment with deep gratitude, humility and a strong sense of responsibility,” he said.
Sibandze highlighted that what excites him most about this year’s edition is the adoption of a more holistic approach to creative development.“Before we hand out trophies, we want to raise the standard. Before we celebrate success, we want to help create more of it,” he said.
He stressed that the creative industry remains one of Eswatini’s most powerful economic and cultural assets and that NACA should serve as a platform not only for recognition but also for meaningful development. “The truth is, this is much bigger than an awards ceremony. NACA gives us an opportunity not only to celebrate excellence, but to actively develop it. Our intention is simple: to help leave the industry better than we found it,” he added.A key component of this year’s programme is the launch of the Eswatini Music Development Programme (EMDP), an initiative designed to produce skilled industry professionals and create pathways for artists to build sustainable careers.
According to Sibandze, the future of the arts depends on more than applause and recognition.
“The future of the arts cannot be built on applause alone. It must be built on skills, mentorship, collaboration, commercialization and creating pathways for artists to move from talent to sustainability. Recognition is important, but development is essential,” he said.
Sibandze is no stranger to the National Arts and Culture Awards. During the 2024 edition, he served as a host, facilitator and ambassador, travelling across all four regions of the country while engaging artists, stakeholders and communities. His contributions played a significant role in increasing awareness and participation in the awards.
Widely known by his stage name KrTC, pronounced “courtesy,” Sibandze has built a respected reputation within Eswatini’s entertainment landscape. He is an accomplished hip-hop artist, songwriter and cultural advocate who has collaborated with several local artists, including music producer and rapper Mr Kangaroo.Beyond his music career, Sibandze is a co-founder of HeadCount, a youth skills development platform focused on hip-hop culture and music, and co-founded Swazi Rhythm alongside Cherise Forde (C4), an online platform dedicated to creating opportunities and exposure for emerging Swazi musicians.His work also extends to mentoring young creatives through workshops and development initiatives that bridge the gap between artistic expression and business opportunities.
As he takes the helm of NACA 2026, Sibandze says he remains committed to building on the foundation laid by previous leaders while fostering stronger collaboration within the creative sector. “We stand on the shoulders of those who have carried this vision before us, and together with the committee, stakeholders and the creative community, we will continue building bridges between creativity, opportunity and impact,” he said.
He concluded with a call to action for the country’s creatives, noting the significant role arts can play in shaping Eswatini’s future.
“The arts have always shaped who we are as a people. Now it is time for the arts to help shape where we are going as a nation. The future is creative. The future is collaborative. Let’s build.”
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