The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture has launched a new drive to uplift grassroots artists, beginning with a talent search held at Mkhiweni Constituency in Luve, Manzini region, on Saturday.
The event, hosted by ENCAC, drew more than 15 aspiring musicians and poets from the area, offering them a platform to showcase their creativity as part of a broader national programme aimed at discovering and developing emerging talent across the kingdom.
Young performers took to the stage with original music and spoken word pieces rooted in culture and personal storytelling. Their performances reflected a mix of musical styles and poetic expression that kept both judges and community members engaged throughout the day.
Beyond the stage exposure, participants were given an opportunity to record professionally at the Manzini Arts Studio, a facility regarded as one of the country’s leading creative hubs. The initiative forms part of ENCAC’s strategy to create structured development pathways for artists who often struggle to access professional resources.
Speaking on the objectives of the initiative, ENCAC highlighted its commitment to building sustainable pathways for young artists by equipping them with the tools, exposure, and mentorship needed to thrive in the creative industry. The talent search marked the official launch of a new development programme aimed at elevating grassroots talent and strengthening Eswatini’s cultural ecosystem.
Following the auditions, a selection of outstanding performers will be invited to take part in a collaborative recording project at the Manzini Arts Studio. This joint initiative is designed to encourage artistic collaboration, foster unity among emerging creatives, and produce a collective piece that celebrates Eswatini’s rich cultural diversity. In addition, the selected artists will benefit from mentorship and guidance from experienced industry professionals, ensuring their artistic growth and wider reach.
Organisers described the Mkhiweni event as the first stop in what will become a nationwide rollout of similar talent searches. Upcoming activations are expected in other constituencies as ENCAC works to expand access to high quality recording facilities and structured professional development.
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