Africa-Press – Eswatini. The birth of a nation is no longer just a chapter in a history book, it is a living, breathing spectacle set to ignite our television screens.
In a move that signals a bold new chapter for the local creative economy, the nation’s airwaves are set to be transformed as “Baka Ngwane: The Birth of a Nation” officially transitions into a full-scale television series. This massive undertaking has expanded into 12 gripping episodes, bringing the epic journey of Emaswati to life with a scale never before seen in the Kingdom.
At the heart of this masterpiece is a vibrant sea of faces of Emaswati. The production has made history by transforming local communities into a massive, open-air film studio, employing over 600 extras drawn directly from various chiefdoms across Eswatini. These are not just background actors, they are the sons and daughters of the soil representing their own ancestors, ensuring that the story of our origins is told with authentic Swati soul and energy.
During the official media launch on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Sharma House in Ezulwini, the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, hailed this staggering level of community involvement. He emphasised that Baka Ngwane is more than a television series, it is a cultural asset that preserves our history while embracing modern storytelling.
“I am particularly encouraged by the tangible economic and social impact of this production. The employment of over 600 extras drawn from different communities demonstrates the real value of the creative sector in creating livelihoods,” the Minister remarked.
Nzima noted that at a time when global narratives dominate our screens, this production reminds us of the importance of telling our own stories, in our own voice, for our own people. “When we tell our stories ourselves, we safeguard our heritage and pass it on with pride to future generations,” he added.
This transformation of the Eswatini entertainment sector is driven by a powerhouse collaboration between Ekucaleni Genesis Media and Tribe Studio. Together, they have pushed the production to world-class standards, proving that local stories can compete on a global stage. This achievement is a testament to the tireless “blood, sweat, and tears” of the entire crew. While lead actors Samkelo Dlamini, Mandisa Mamba, and Lawrence Mhlanga shine on screen, an army of behind-the-scenes professionals, including dedicated writers, technical crew, and researchers like Sifiso J. Dlamini and Maqhawe Bhembe, worked around the clock to ensure every frame reflects the dignity of the nation.
Beyond the screen, the very landscape of Eswatini is being transformed. By utilizing our breathtaking natural vistas and sacred heritage sites as primary filming locations, Baka Ngwane is turning the Kingdom’s geography into a cinematic treasure. This shift not only promotes domestic tourism but also redefines our mountains and valleys as world-class backdrops for global storytelling. The project has turned rural areas into hubs of creative activity, proving that Eswatini’s beauty is one of its greatest economic and cultural exports.
As the series prepares for its 2026 premiere on Eswatini TV, it stands as a tribute to the sacrifices of our ancestors and the hard work of the modern-day creatives who refused to let our stories be forgotten.
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