Africa-Press – Eswatini. SANELISO Matsebula is this year’s Ntjilo Ntjilo Arts Competition winner.
The winner walked away E2 000 richer during the Ntjilo Ntjilo Arts Festival held at Happy Valley Hotel on Saturday.
With six categories, the Ntjilo Ntjilo Arts Festival lived up to its standards, as there was a number of aspiring individuals who competed in singing and poetry.
Matsebula from Mbabane said he was happy to be as number one and was still in shock that he had won, as the competition was tough.
“On a daily basis I sing at my church and I am in a singing group called Max Band and The Family, we sing together. I also just recorded my single titled ‘Sikhululiwe’ which will be released in September after it was recorded at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, during the live recording of The Mother of All Gospel Shows,” he explained.
Encouraged
He further encouraged others to join the competition next year to discover their talents.
Siphesihle Mamba, who got 82 points, was awarded with E500 together with Baphetsile Hlophe under the Gospel category.
Winners under the schools category were Wakhile Sifundza, who also received E1 000, Thandokwakhe Matsebula and Nontobeko Jele who received E400 respectively.
The eight to 11 years old category had two winners where the first place went to Nkosenhle Simelane followed by Inga Ndziweni.
The 11 to 14 years old category champions were Mphumelelo Hlatshwayo, Poetess Emmanuel and Nokwethu Dlamini.
The12 to 15 years old category champs were MG6xQuan, Angel Fakudze and Musawenkhosi Magawaza, while the 21 to 35 years old category winners were Luyengo Arts Association, Bongekile Tani and Nosifiso Makhubu.
Two judges; Prudence Maseko and Ndumiso Dlamini scored the competitors who showcased their talents in singing and poetry.
The mostly youthful audience was supportive as they cheered on some of the best witnessed acts.
The competition in the vocal section was intense.
Everyone made sure to put their best foot forward from the young, teenagers to the elders.
Choral
The schools category participants performed some choral songs that were appreciated by the audience.
They showed off with their vocal cords, while being guided by the pianist. Some of the participants said their hope was to pursue professional careers in singing in the near future. They appreciated the Ntjilo Ntjilo Festival organisers for providing them with valuable life skills, particularly on how to handle high-pressure and nerve-wrecking situations by affording such a platform.
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