Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) has pledged E40 000 to support the upcoming Music and Arts Festival, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting inclusivity in the creative industry.
ENCAC representative, Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane, announced the contribution during a press briefing at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office. He explained that the funds will go toward providing technical support for the event, covering expenses such as the live band and other critical requirements needed to make the festival a success.
Makhabane emphasized that ENCAC’s role goes beyond financial support. He pointed to the council’s fully equipped recording studio in Manzini, which remains open to artists ready to produce their music. “We want to ensure that no talent is left behind. Those who are prepared to record can use the studio to bring their work to life,” he said.
He further explained that the studio is meant to ease the struggles that many local musicians face when traveling long distances, especially to Johannesburg, where they often endure nights sleeping in taxis in pursuit of recording opportunities. Many, he noted, return home with CDs but lack the networks and exposure to market their work effectively. To address this, Makhabane urged emaSwati to rally behind local talent, support their music, and help connect artists to the right platforms and people who can propel their careers forward.
Drawing from his own journey, Makhabane offered words of encouragement to young creatives. He recalled that he dropped out of school in Grade Five at KaZinyane, but through determination and community support, he was able to pursue music professionally and rise to success. His story, he noted, is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of accessible platforms for talent development.
The Music and Arts Festival is expected to attract performers from across the country and provide a stage for upcoming and established artists to showcase their craft. ENCAC’s involvement signals a growing effort by stakeholders to strengthen Eswatini’s creative economy and create opportunities for youth employment through the arts.
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