Africa-Press – Eswatini. The first edition of Disability Music and Arts Festival, held at The Luke Commission auditorium in Sidvokodvo, on September 27, 2025 marked a significant milestone in Eswatini’s artistic landscape.
This landmark festival united musicians, poets, dancers, dramatists, painters, fashion designers, and storytellers with disabilities from across the nation, transforming the auditorium into a vibrant hub of joy, creativity, and belonging.
The festival was graced by the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, the Minister of Education, Owen Nxumalo, and the Minister of Sport, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, the Minister of Tinkhundla, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, UNDP representative George Wachira, Nick Ncube, CEO of Edd Branson Publishers. Their attendance highlights a strong commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of creative talents within our communities.
In addition to the DPM and her fellow ministers, the event saw participation from various Members of Parliament, including Khungankhosi Dlamini of the Mayiwane constituency, along with other prominent figures from Eswatini, further emphasizing the importance of this celebration.
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that the festival transcends mere entertainment; it embodies the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Article 30). This event lays the groundwork for an inclusive creative economy, where individuals with disabilities can fully express themselves and achieve their aspirations.
“The festival shows our nation and the world that disability is not inability,” stated Dladla. “Given the opportunity to express their God-given talents, the sky is truly the limit.” Dladla’s leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in promoting policies that support creativity and inclusion, making her presence at the festival a powerful symbol of progress.
Dladla outlined five essential goals that underpin this movement:
– Increasing visibility and appreciation of artists with disabilities across all art forms.
– Raising awareness and shifting mindsets toward disability inclusion in the creative sector.
– Enhancing access to markets and economic opportunities for sustainable artistry.
– Fostering collaboration between creatives with and without disabilities to strengthen unity and innovation.
– Influencing policy to promote accessibility and equity in Eswatini’s cultural economy.
Dladla expressed heartfelt gratitude to sponsors for making the festival memorable and commended the government for facilitating transportation from various regions, ensuring that persons with disabilities could participate fully.
Minister of Tinkhundla, Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, added that his ministry is actively promoting artists across constituencies, providing financial support to nurture their growth. He praised the DPM’s dedication to uplifting vulnerable groups within society.
UNDP representative George Wachira urged designers, plumbers , and engineers to create spaces that accommodate persons with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of reasonable accommodations in employment by both public and private sectors.
Nick Ncube, CEO of Edd Branson Publishers, highlighted the crucial role of events like the Disability Music and Arts Festival in fostering creativity and inclusion. He announced the introduction of ‘The Business of Art and Craft,’ a guide designed to help artists monetize their talents. This invaluable resource will be available for free in Eswatini.
The festival culminated in the presentation of awards in the form of cash prizes across various categories, including Music, Dance, Poetry, Drama, and Fashion. Each winner demonstrated remarkable creativity and passion, making the event a true celebration of the arts and inclusivity.
The Disability Music and Arts Festival stands as a testament to the resilience and talent of artists with disabilities, paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape in Eswatini and beyond.
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