Swaziland National Council of Arts & Culture gives arts and culture awards

Hugh Masekela, file photo

Swazi arts and cultural heritage will finally gain the recognition it deserves. The Swaziland National Council of Arts & Culture (SNCAC) will ensure that end is met by honouring and awarding Swazi artists across both modern and traditional disciplines.

By Nokukhanya Aimienoho for the

This was announced during the launch of the inaugural Tihlabani Music & Arts Awards at Esibayeni Lodge yesterday. Notables spotted during the event include Minister of Sports, Culture & Youth Affairs Hlobsile Ndlovu, her Under-Secretary Maswazi Shongwe, SNCAC Chairperson Prince Lonkhokhela,  Hugh Masekela, Swazi Observer CEO Myzoe Magagula, Border Restoration Committee member Thulani Matsebula, Deputy Governor Sibongile Mdluli, REDI’s Skhomba Gumbi, Miss Swaziland Nompilo Mncina and DUP’s Phillip De Sousa, just to name a few.

Speaking during the launch, the Awards Organising Committee Chairman Bongani Mamba, said in its drive to preserve and promote arts and cultural heritage, the SNCAC took it upon itself to organize and host the first ever Tihlabani Music & Arts Awards. “The Tihlabani Awards will become an annual highlight of the Swaziland events calendar. The aims of the awards are to recognise and promote Swazi artists, nationally, regionally and internationally as well as recognise the accomplishments in Swazi arts”, Mamba said.

Furthermore, the awards seek to recognise individuals who have played significant roles in the upliftment of Swazi arts, and also fulfils the SNCAC mandate to promote, empower, support and cultivate Swazi arts.
Swazi artists across both modern and traditional disciplines will be awarded under 22 categories, which include music (modern, choral, Gospel), theatre, modern dance, traditional dance, fine arts (painting, sculpture), arts management as well as Lifetime Achievement. Award winners will be determined by either popular vote or an independent judging panel. The Awards Ceremony is scheduled for November 14 at Esangweni Convention. Mamba added that the event would be spectacular and that tickets will be available in due course.

E500 000 budget for awards A budget of E500 000 will cover the costs of hosting an event of such magnitude. In his remarks, Swaziland National Council of Arts & Culture (SNCAC) Chairperson Prince Lonkhokhela said they need E500 000 to ensure the inaugural Tihlabani Music & Arts Awards were a success. Sadly, that figure isn’t within the culture council’s disposal. Jokingly, Prince Lonkhokhela said, “E500 000 is little because we have the Deputy Governor in our midst. She can sign one cheque.” On a serious note, he encouraged the business co munity to partner with the organisers.

“Arts and culture can sustain us economically. We need to see our local artists grow and become our own ‘Michael Jacksons’, ‘Luther Vandross’ and ‘Westlifes’. This is splendid advertising opportunity for the business community. It’s a win-win situation for all the parties involved. “Therefore, we need to come together to ensure this project is a success. It has definitely been a long time coming” he said. Central Bank Deputy Governor Sibongile Mdluli pledged E2 500 from her personal pocket towards the initiative whereas; Border Restoration Committee member Thulani Matsebula and Isaac Gamedze pledged E1 000 and E2 000 respectively.

Hugh Masekela to perform during awards

South African Jazz artist Hugh Masekela will perform during Tihlabani Music & Arts Awards Ceremony on November 14 at Esangweni Convention. Masekela, who was present during the launch of the awards yesterday, said he was extremely humbled. The internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer and lyricist said, “I am honoured to be here. I really feel I am a son of Africa; therefore, I am a son of Swaziland. I don’t recognize the borders.” Masekela added that although, Swaziland is famous for taking pride in its cultural heritage, it is often taken for granted. He said that the late Mirriam Makeba was only famous internationally because her grandmother was Swazi. “If we don’t cultivate a certain pride in our heritage, especially for the younger generation, everything will be lost forever. You need to try and use your traditional heritage. However, it’s the presentation of such a product, that’s important,” he emphasised.

Photo: Hugh Masekela, 2007 file photo
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