Africa-Press – Eswatini. Renowned entertainment players say Eswatini is not keen on cultural development.
This was the reaction from some of the entertainers after being asked why patrons were not fully supporting local craft especially local genres.
Lusoloja Ginindza said most of the genres were not exposed as people tend to take what was most popular in South Africa.
“We have this strong urge over people things especially trends from South Africa yet we are capable of setting our own trends. Eswatini is a home of true talent. This attitude creates a wrong impression, it is like most genres are not supported,” he said.
Ginindza said the country is capable of having its own trend which could put Eswatini on the map.
“We have talented people like Tindzaba Temdzabu and Smile Makama to mention a few. They produce different unique sounds but we are failing to support them. People went wild after Zakes Bantwini delivered a set during the peak of COVID-19 but Ziyawa has been on it, some people never noticed that,” he explained.
Ginindza said the entertainment industry would be better if the nation supported their own.
“Did you know that we have the best artist that can actually play blues? Last week we had King Don who played an amazing set at the Mbabane Theatre Club. His music will trend as soon as he lands overseas, especially because he also sings Swati songs. If we could support our own, the industry would be in a better place. Young people can actually make a living through the arts,” he said.
He added that entertainment was audience-centred culture.
“Industries are a uniquely interdisciplinary collection of evolving businesses that openly monitor evolving cultural trends and work within them,” he said.
Co-founder of the Spirits Indigenous duo and all-female collective SheKings, Thobile Makhoyane said some local artists lacked support.
“I consider my sets as an experience, I fuse cultural sounds with dance. I play makhoyane and my music is mostly appreciated in other countries. As artists we lack support and we need to love our own before tapping into other sounds. Currently, I am set to perform in Portugal at a festival dubbed ‘Lisbon Poetry Festival’ and I don’t have enough funds to participate in that festival,” she said.
Eswatini Arts and Music Association (SWAMA) President Lutfo Dlamini also attested that Eswatini was a home of true talent.
He said people and the artists lacked exposure, which halts cultural development.
“‘He who has not travelled widely thinks that his mother is the best cook’, this proverb best describes the sector at large. We need enough exposure, people need to know what is happening and why for them to have a cultural product,” he said.
Dlamini shared that the lack of funds was also a reason people failed to support their own.
“How will people know about the best local artist that actually plays blues if he is not supported?
Our ministry really need to go back to the drawing board and actually seek funds not from the government but to other donors who are passionate about the creative sector.
Countries like Zambia are flourishing in the entertainment sector because they have the support and funds. You will find them performing world-wide. We need to revamp,” he said.
Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini, said the reason local patrons jumped for international trends was because of the economy and population.
“For people to love a trend it needs to be popular and with our smaller population is it very tricky for a local creative to trend. The economy is another factor that also prohibits cultural development. For example the late legendary Bob Marley registered his craft in USA because of the economy in Jamaica, they trended and took tours hence they got worldwide recognition. We are still a developing country that needs support,” he said.
SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTS
Ncendo
Most international artists invest in their brand and perfect their craft. They understand that their brand is everything. While tsine lakhaya we’re talented, but we do not invest much on ourselves as brands.
Mqemane Matsebula
Dedication on their craft, they should have a proper professional approach and invest in their craft, hence their rate when booking them. With us, the artist calls a promoter asking for a gig and exposes himself to abuse by some promoters who are always ready to take advantage.
La Mshengu
Branding, they have a lot of followers mainly because South Africa is bigger than Eswatini.
Personally, I think local artists are more talented than South Africans.
Mncedisi Simelane
The only difference is South African art industry is well supported, mostly financially. They have the best equipment and structures for making their skill look glorious. Our Government doesn’t invest in the art sector. With our local artists we compromise too much because of low budget.
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