LUBOMBO – The Lubombo region came alive with celebration over the weekend as outstanding creatives were recognised at the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA), an initiative aimed at honouring excellence while promoting the growth and professionalisation of Eswatini’s creative industry.
Hosted as part of the Lubombo Regional Festival, the awards recognised artists, performers, cultural groups and creative practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional talent, innovation and commitment to their respective disciplines.
This year’s awards were further strengthened by the introduction of the National Music Development Programme (NMDP), an initiative designed to equip creatives with industry-relevant skills through specialised training in sound engineering, songwriting, music production and other technical fields.
NACA Chairperson Thamsanqa ‘KrTC of Hip Hop’ Sibandze congratulated all the winners, describing the awards as a celebration of both individual achievement and the collective growth of the country’s creative sector.
“We are delighted to see young creatives making their mark and securing their rightful place in the sector. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to all the winners and participants. While these are individual honours, we are all winners because this achievement reflects the collective growth of our creative community. I also encourage other creatives to continue participating in future awards,” he said.
The awards are supported by the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), whose Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Dlamini, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to recognising creative excellence and creating sustainable opportunities for artists.
“There is truly nothing more rewarding than being recognised for your craft. Our vision is to see creatives earning a sustainable living through their passion, which drives us to go beyond limits in ensuring their work receives the acknowledgment it deserves. We appreciate all those who took part in this year’s awards, and we look forward to expanding our reach to other regions through upcoming festivals,” said Dlamini.
He added that regional festivals remain an important platform for discovering talent, nurturing creativity and connecting artists with wider audiences.
Following the successful Lubombo Regional Festival, the NACA programme will continue its nationwide tour with festivals scheduled for Nhlangano on 8 August, Piggs Peak on 15 August and Manzini on 22 August 2026.
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