JOHANNESBURG — Award-winning gospel artist Nothando Hlophe believes her latest achievement is proof that Eswatini’s stories, sound and cultural identity can resonate far beyond the kingdom’s borders.
Hlophe took home the Song of the Year award for her acclaimed Methodist Medley at the fifth Basadi in Music Awards, held at Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, over the weekend.
The victory placed the Eswatini gospel star among some of South Africa’s leading musical talents while giving the kingdom a notable presence at one of the region’s platforms celebrating women in music.
For Hlophe, however, the award represents far more than personal recognition.
“This is a victory for Eswatini,” she said, describing the achievement as a reflection of the faith, hard work and cultural heritage invested in her music.
At the heart of her winning project is a deep connection to the hymns and musical traditions that shaped her upbringing. Methodist Medley brings together familiar hymns, preserving their historical and spiritual significance while presenting them in a way that can connect with younger audiences.
The project was built around more than music. It carries memories, worship and stories passed from one generation to another.
Hlophe said the song was never created simply with an award in mind. Its meaning and message came first, with the recognition arriving later as an affirmation that authentic music rooted in identity can find an audience beyond its place of origin.
The win has also influenced how she views the next chapter of her career.
Rather than becoming comfortable after the achievement, Hlophe sees it as motivation to produce better music, tell stronger stories and pursue greater excellence while remaining grounded in her faith.
She also hopes her success will inspire other creatives in Eswatini to believe that their work can travel.
“We have incredible talent in this country,” she said, encouraging artists to continue creating, believing in their abilities and pursuing opportunities beyond the kingdom.
Established in 2022, the Basadi in Music Awards celebrates women working across the music industry and forms part of South Africa’s National Women’s Month celebrations. The awards recognise talent across genres including gospel, Amapiano and traditional music, with public voting also forming part of the process.
Hlophe was not the only Eswatini representative to shine at the ceremony. Local creative Nomzamo ‘Zamo’ Dlamini also secured a win, taking home the Make-up Artist of the Year award.
The victories strengthened Eswatini’s representation at the Johannesburg ceremony and highlighted the growing potential of the kingdom’s creative talent on regional platforms.
For Hlophe, the Basadi trophy is therefore not an ending, but another milestone in a much bigger journey.
With Methodist Medley opening doors beyond Eswatini, she intends to continue using her music to tell stories, preserve heritage and share her faith while taking the kingdom’s sound to even bigger stages.
Her message is clear: Eswatini’s artists can go further without leaving their identity behind.
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