Shiselweni — The Shiselweni NACA Regional Festival brought together more than 3,000 arts enthusiasts and a diverse range of creatives over the past weekend, celebrating talent and artistic excellence as part of the Shiselweni Day celebrations.
Hosted at the King Sobhuza Memorial Stadium, the festival provided a platform for nominees across various creative disciplines to showcase their talents before an enthusiastic audience ahead of the announcement of the regional winners.
The NACA Awards are aimed at honouring excellence and recognising outstanding talent within Eswatini’s arts and cultural sector. Winners were determined through a combination of judges’ assessments and votes accumulated by the participating artists.
This year’s awards carry added significance, as recipients will receive more than trophies and certificates. Winners will also have access to comprehensive mentorship programmes facilitated by the National Music Development Programme.
The mentorship initiative is intended to strengthen the creative industry by developing professionals in areas such as sound engineering, songwriting and other essential roles that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the arts sector.
Announcing the Shiselweni regional winners, NACA Awards Chairperson Thamsanqa “KrTC” Sibanze congratulated all the creatives who were recognised and urged the winners to view their achievements as the beginning of a bigger journey.
“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 Sibanze.
Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini also praised the creatives for their participation and commitment to the awards.
Dlamini said the strong turnout demonstrated the passion and dedication that artists in the region have for their craft, adding that the enthusiasm shown by participants encourages the council to continue developing programmes that support 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 Shiselweni festival also highlighted the breadth of creative disciplines represented in the region, with awards recognising musicians, poets, fine artists, craftspeople, models, content creators and traditional performers.
Shiselweni NACA Regional Winners
Best Fine Artist: Lindani Art
Best Event: Amashiya Amahle Maskandi Festival
Best Lutsango: Buseleni
Regional Male: Imvungunyane & CY Ndukwemnyama
Regional Best Female: Mrs Vee
Regional Gospel: Mrs Vee & Samkelo Kenny G
Best Hip Hop: Cate Official
Best Regional Album: Mrs Vee
Regional Upcoming Music Artist: Mrs Vee & CY Indukwemyama
Regional Indigenous Artist: Master L & Cardo
Best Regional Song: Siya Bayas
Regional Music Video: Lastborn HR
Best Poet: OPK & Comfort De Poet
Best Crafts Artist: Ulamgangela Creations
Maskandi Artist: Dilaboy, Khuzungezwa, Bacede Ngwenya & Mashibilika Basonga
Content Creator: Abontanga
Best Regional Collaboration: SDSS Music Group
Best Model: Lindelwa Simelane & Temlandvo Dlamini
Most Promising Talent: Bobo Rocboy
Best Sibhaca: Buseleni
Best Ingadla: Ingwe nenja
The Shiselweni regional festival successfully concluded, attention now turns to the next stage of the NACA Regional Festivals. The next awards festival is scheduled to take place in Pigg’s Peak on 15 August 2026, as creatives from another region prepare to compete for recognition and an opportunity to advance towards the national awards.
The national NACA Awards ceremony is scheduled for 28 November 2026, with the venue yet to be announced.
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