Africa-Press – Eswatini. IN an incredible and rare occurrence, the nation joined Their Majesties and maidens in dancing to the song ‘Mswati Uyinkhosi kaHhohho’.
This song normally marks the commencement of Ummiso after kuhlehla by the maidens before Their Majesties led by an incumbent Indvuna. This time around, Her Majesty the Queen Mother danced and the nation also joined them.
This was during the main day of the second leg of this year’s reed dance at Mbangweni Royal Residence in Nhlangano in the Shiselweni region on Saturday, where thousands of maidens led by Princess Nkosiyenzile and acting Imbali leader Bongiwe ‘Vivane’ Hlatshwako showcased their talent.
A few minutes after the King’s arrival at the dancing arena accompanied by Lacwebetelako, His Majesty moved around the arena and appreciated the maidens in what is known as kudlalisela, as Imbali sang and danced to ‘Mnikeni lihawu lakhe atodlalisela’.
Most of the songs sung during the solo dance sessions also had almost everyone singing and dancing along.
These included Sawubona Gogo, Kufanele Sibonge, Singumshadza, Lelive likhulile, Abamtsatse usenyangeni, amongst others.
This year’s Umhlanga Reed Dance started a few weeks ago at Ludzidzini Royal Residence, where about 120 000 maidens took part.
At Shiselweni, Imbali started arriving at Mbangweni Royal Residence on Friday. On Saturday, they first delivered the reed before Their Majesties before rendering a spectacular performance while led by Lizinyane Nkosiyenzile and acting Imbali Indvuna Bongiwe ‘Vivane’ Hlatshwako.
Over 500 maidens from South Africa
Over 500 maidens from South Africa took part in this year’s second leg of the reed dance held at Mbangweni Royal Residence in the Shiselweni region.
The maidens were from Ndishini Royal Kraal under Prince Msutfu, Pongola under Chief Sihlase, Khwababeni Umphakatsi under Prince Sibongiseni from Piet Retief and Ntabande Umphakatsi.
The South African-based Emaswati maidens also danced Ummiso and the solo sessions where they showcased their dancing skills while dancing to Uyinkosi yohlanga, Mkabayi and Yinye Inkosi.
The coordinator of this year’s group of maidens known as Silomo Samatjitji Nelisiwe Ntshangase described the event as beautiful, adding that they appreciate not only the colourful performances by the maidens but also the promotion of culture.
She said she started coming for the reed dance in 2010 and also attends the other cultural events like Buganu Festival and Incwala.
“This was a beautiful event, promoting abstinence through culture. Being a virgin doesn’t mean being backward, hence we encourage our girls to take education seriously and keep themselves pure.
“It is always lovely to pay allegiance to Their Majesties through attending such cultural events,” she said.
Meanwhile, Prince Msutfu praised the event for being one of the unifying factors between Emaswati based in SA and those within the country’s borders.
He said the great attendance by the maidens and people attested to the fact that Eswatini was loved and visible to the international community.
He also noted that there were over 500 maidens, the numbers could have doubled but some had to be turned back because of transport challenges.
“This was a beautiful event that shows that Emaswati still love their culture, traditions and their identity. There are over 500 maidens in attendance right now and would have been more had it not be for transport challenges,” he said.
A group of girls from Magengeni under Piet Retief catchment said they loved the cultural event, and further stated that they also partake in the KwaZulu-Natal reed dance.
purity
On their behalf, Celimpilo Ntshangase said they loved the fact that purity was encouraged and this showed that there were still some indigenous Emaswati; much against reports in the social media.
She said this showed that Emaswati still loved their culture, knew their identity and were not swayed by the international and western cultures.
“We got to Eswatini almost at midnight on Friday. We continue coming because we appreciate the great hospitality shown to us, and we also love travelling and making new friends,” she said.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
