Africa-Press – Eswatini. Legendary South African jazz musician Don Laka joined His Majesty King Mswati III, Emakhosikati, Emabutfo and Sigodlo together with tourists from France as they danced the Little Incwala until dusk at Ngabezweni Royal Residence yesterday.
The musician, who was initiated into the Mgadlela Regiment in 2016 where he was named Mamelodi, expressed great excitement to be part of the sacred Incwala ceremony, which was mainly about cleansing, renewal and above all centred on Kingship.
Laka said as a history scholar who has spent much of his time researching about his African roots, he finds great pleasure in participating during Incwala due its rich history.
Laka said he highly appreciated anyone who greatly respected and preserved their culture.
“I am at peace in Eswatini. Culture takes precedence above anything else.
“As a history scholar, I enjoy being part of cultural preservation by partaking in Incwala,” said Laka, who was clad in full traditional regalia.
The multi-award winning musician disclosed that he spent most of his time in the kingdom lately and was married to a Liswati from Motshane at a Ndlovu homestead.
The Little Incwala also attracted tourists from different parts of the globe. Geoffrey Tasle D Heliand and Axel Aubrun from France said they were impressed with the beauty of Eswatini culture. Heliand confided to have fallen in love with the traditional attire.
“I was really impressed with the respect and faith the people have for the King. It was a pleasure to see Eswatini true cultural norms and witness Incwala first-hand. We are very grateful for the warm welcome and the people of Eswatini have been really good to us,” said Heliand.
As per the norm in past years, His Majesty King Mswati III is expected to move with the Little Incwala to the royal residences such as; Ngabezweni, Mbangweni, and Buhleni where he commissions Tingaja to go to Ngabezweni Royal Residence to prepare for the cutting of the sacred Lusekwane shrubs.
When the King moves with the Little Incwala to other royal residences, Her Majesty the Indlovukazi dances the little Incwala at Ludzidzini Royal Residence with Ludzidzini regiments, members of the royal family and the public.
In the official government website, Incwala has been described as one of Emaswati’s important cultural events that has lasted for hundreds of years.
Commencement of the Incwala last Wednesday was a culmination of the safe and successful journey of the water party (bemanti) that had been commissioned by the King as part of preparations for the national ceremony.
Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela described the national ceremony as a uniting factor for the people of Eswatini.
The prince said Incwala was significant in that it celebrates the presence of the King. He mentioned that if there was no King, there would be no Incwala.
Prince Lonkhokhela said Incwala was a classical opportunity for Emaswati to celebrate their rich culture which has been in existence since time immemorial.
“Incwala should be respected against all odds.
This is a place where we revive our patriotism and also pray for success of the kingdom,” the prince emphasised.
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