Africa-Press – Eswatini. In a significant achievement for Eswatini’s music industry, Zamo bragged the Best Siswati Artist award a fortnight ago at the 19th Annual South African Traditional Music Achievement Awards (SATMA).
Dlamini shared her excitement on social media. she was captured shining on the red carpet with Anson Dludlu, the producer and composer of her song Indlela, which was recently nominated for Best Afro Pop at the Basadi in Music Awards.
The victory marks a special milestone for Dlamini, following her previous nomination for the same award in 2011. At that time, the award went to renowned artist Bholoja.
In an exclusive interview, Dlamini expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country and language at the SATMA Awards.
“I’m honoured to have represented my country and language at the SATMA Awards. What excites me the most is that I was nominated for the same category in 2011, and Bholoja won.
I still believe that being nominated is a win in itself, so bringing the award home means so much. The SATMA Awards are a big deal, and as musicians, we fight for recognition. Music isn’t just about standing on stage and singing; it’s about healing people. The mission goes much deeper than fame or performance.”
When asked about attending the event with Dludlu, Dlamini shared her admiration for him. Although Dludlu is not a full-time musician, Dlamini was intrigued when he told her he had written the song for her.
“I think it was destiny that we met at my sister’s house in Fairview. Our conversations were meaningful, and the message in the song is so powerful. I’m forever grateful to him,” she said. “The same song was also nominated for Best Afro Pop at the Basadi in Music Awards. It’s a beautiful song, and neither of us saw this coming.”
Reflecting on the success of both the song and her career as a Siswati artist, Dlamini spoke about her passion for promoting the Siswati language. “We are pushing the Siswati language and want future generations to be proud of their heritage.
Growing up, I attended the Reed Dance, and some of the melodies we use are inspired by this rich culture. We aim to remind Emaswati to take pride in their roots.”
Dludlu, a prominent figure in Eswatini’s music scene, shared the inspiration behind Indlela. “The Eswatini music scene can be incredibly tough,” Dludlu said.
“I wrote Indlela during a time when I was ready to give up. The journey felt long and difficult, and I was reflecting on the sacrifices I had made over the years with little to show for it.”
Upon hearing the song, Dlamini felt an immediate connection to its message. “She related to the struggles and determination expressed in the song,” Dludlu added. “It felt as though Indlela reflected her own personal journey in the music industry.”
Dlamini’s recognition at the SATMA Award is a proud moment not only for her career but for Eswatini’s entire artistic community.
The SATMA Awards celebrate traditional music from South Africa and neighbouring countries, with a particular focus on indigenous languages and cultural expressions that are often overlooked by mainstream media.
Dlamini’s win in the Best Siswati Artist category highlights Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage and the growing influence of the nation’s music scene.
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