Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Firefly Top 10 finalists are set to benefit from a new studio support programme, following an announcement by Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Ndzima, during the Firefly Grand Finale.
The initiative, introduced through the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), will provide studio training and access, while also placing the finalists at the centre of a live podcast series documenting their journey from auditions to the grand finale.
Speaking at the event, Ndzima said the move reflects government’s growing commitment to developing young creatives beyond the competition stage. He highlighted that the arts sector is now being recognised as a key driver of national development and economic opportunity.
“Tonight we gather where talent meets opportunity, and where the future of the country’s creative industry is being shaped,” he said.
The minister explained that the Firefly platform has grown into more than just a competition, evolving into a movement that nurtures talent and creates pathways into professional creative industries.
Through ENCAC, government is strengthening support systems by ensuring artists have access to studio facilities and digital platforms that showcase their growth. The live podcast series will capture the full Firefly experience, giving audiences insight into the artists’ journeys.
“As government, we recognise that the arts are not merely for entertainment, but a strategic pillar of national development,” Ndzima added.
He noted that the National Arts and Culture Policy aims to create an environment where creativity is accessible and valued as a shared national resource.
In addition, Ndzima confirmed that all Top 10 finalists will receive studio time as part of the initiative, further equipping them with tools to grow their careers.
He also commended MTN Eswatini and its partners for their continued investment in youth empowerment and the creative sector.
Encouraging the finalists, the minister urged them to treat the opportunity as the beginning of their professional journeys, stressing discipline, innovation and professionalism as key to long-term success.
“To the Top 10 finalists, you represent the dreams of a generation. This stage is not the destination; it is the beginning,” he said.
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