MBABANE- His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Choir has done it again, successfully defending its Ntjilo-Ntjilo Choral Competition title while walking away with a total of E70 000.
The choir delivered a commanding performance on Sunday at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Sports Emporium in Kwaluseni, where choirs battled for top honours across the Standard and Large categories.
Adding to the spectacle was the Mbabane Chamber Orchestra, which provided orchestral backing for the Western pieces as competing choirs showcased their vocal range, precision, arrangements and stage presence.
The competition began at 10:00, with the participating ensembles putting their preparation to the test before the judges and an energetic audience.
Led by conductor Melisizwe Sibusiso Zwane, HMCS continued its winning run after claiming the crown last year. The choir also made history by recording a competition-high 188 points, further strengthening its reputation at the festival.
The reigning champions attributed their latest triumph to hard work and determination, while maintaining a humble outlook and setting their sights on future titles.
Pure Voices finished second overall and received E60 000.
In the Large Category Western Piece, HMCS claimed E40 000, followed by the Royal Eswatini Police Service Choir with E30 000 and Pure Voices with E20 000.
The Large Category African Rendition saw Pure Voices take first place and E40 000, while HMCS settled for second with E30 000. Lugubhu Lwengwenyama completed the top three with E20 000.
In the Mixed Choirs Western and African pieces, Emmanuel Methodist Choir dominated both categories, receiving E15 000 for each win. Gebeni Choristers took E12 000, while Eswatini Mighty Voices earned E10 000 for third place.
Entokozweni Christian Church emerged victorious in the Zion category, pocketing E5 000. Philip Christian Church and Harmonious Praise followed with E1 500 each.
Competition founder and director Mathokoza Sibiya said the increased prize money had contributed to a heightened competitive atmosphere.
He credited sponsors, including EswatiniMed, Almona, Montigny, Destiny Events, Tibiyo Insurance Brokers, Eclipse Catering and Mozambique Restaurant, for supporting the competition.
“The dramatic financial boost has fundamentally transformed the psychological landscape,” Sibiya said, noting that the enhanced prizes had intensified the competitive spirit among the participating choirs.
The festival offered E260 000 in total prize money, marking a significant increase from previous editions. Sibiya revealed that Large Category prizes, which previously stood at E35 000, E25 000 and E20 000, had been increased, with this year’s prizes reaching E80 000, E60 000 and E40 000.
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