The 20th edition of the Eswatini Bank Schools Choral Music Competition was officially launched on Wednesday at Happy Valley Hotel, with the bank announcing a E700,000 sponsorship for this year’s event.
What began in 2005 as a modest initiative with just E50,000 in funding has now grown into a flagship cultural programme, drawing thousands of young singers from schools across the country. Speaking at the launch, Eswatini Bank Managing Director Dr. Nozizwe Mulela described the two-decade journey as one of nation-building through music.
“This platform has helped shape confident, creative, and socially aware citizens. It’s been 20 years of nurturing talent, celebrating culture, and uniting communities,” Mulela said.
The competition has become a cornerstone of the bank’s corporate social investment programme, with its impact evident not just in the rising standards of local choral music, but also in the number of participants who have gone on to perform internationally. Among them are Thando Zwane (UK), Thandolwethu Mamba (USA), and Simphiwe Msibi (USA), whose early musical foundations were laid on this stage.
Local music educators and adjudicators, many of whom are now alumni of the competition, are another sign of its long-term success. “In the early years, we brought in judges from outside Eswatini. Today, most are Swati professionals, trained and refined through this very platform,” Mulela added.
This year’s edition introduces several new elements, including a 100% vernacular music focus. All African compositions in the competition will be performed in Siswati—a move meant to deepen cultural pride and elevate local music writing.
The Mbabane Orchestra is also set to perform alongside the finalists in the “Champ of Champs” and trio categories. A new traditional music section has been added under the choice song category, allowing learners to explore Eswatini’s indigenous sounds more fully.
Specially commissioned anniversary compositions will mark the 20-year milestone, offering a musical reflection on the journey and its evolution.
The Chairperson of the Eswatini Schools Music Association, Sithembiso Dlamini, welcomed the changes and described the Siswati-first approach as long overdue. “This isn’t just a competition. It’s a cultural statement and a classroom for values, discipline, and national identity.”
Representing the Ministry of Education and Training, Nhlanhla Dlamini reaffirmed the ministry’s support and said music would continue to be promoted in the school curriculum. She also noted how students use music to confront social issues such as gender-based violence and inequality, turning performances into acts of advocacy.
More than 100 schools are expected to take part from June 25 to 29.
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