A total of 110 NACA regional award recipients will receive professional music training through the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture’s (ENCAC) National Music Development Programme (NMDP) after the awards circuit concludes.
The programme is designed to move the recognition of local talent beyond certificates by giving creatives practical skills that can help them build careers in the music industry.
Training will cover sound engineering and music business, with South African music industry expert Vusi Leeuw expected to oversee the sessions after the national awards.
Leeuw brings experience from working as an artists and repertoire manager and executive for major labels, including Sony Music, EMI and Warner Music, as well as South African independent label 999 Records.
He has been involved in developing, launching and managing the careers of established artists, bringing industry knowledge to the planned workshops.
ENCAC Chief Executive Officer Stanley Dlamini said the programme was created to strengthen the professional side of the sector.
“Through the National Music Development Programme, we aim to develop industry professionals,” he said.
The initiative is expected to give participants knowledge that can be applied beyond the awards platform, particularly in technical and business areas.
Dlamini also linked the programme to the council’s wider aim of helping creatives turn talent into sustainable livelihoods. He noted that recognition remains important, but practical skills can help artists make better use of opportunities that come with being recognised.
The 110 participants emerged from the regional NACA Awards festivals held across the kingdom. Lubombo produced 29 winners at its July 25 festival in Siteki, while Shiselweni honoured 21 at King Sobhuza Memorial Stadium. Hhohho added 28, while the Manzini finale brought 32 winners.
NACA Chairperson Thamsanqa ‘KrTC’ Sibandze congratulated the winners and participants, placing their achievements within the wider growth of the creative sector.
“While these are individual honours, we are all winners,” he said.
He encouraged creatives who did not win to return for future editions and continue developing their work.
The Manzini festival, held at Millennium Park on Friday, completed the regional circuit with performances and exhibitions spanning poetry, drama, ingadla, gospel, music, DJs, live bands, comedy and theatre. Successful nominees will now move towards the national stage, where they will compete for national titles. The planned training will add another layer to that journey, giving participating creatives an opportunity to strengthen their industry knowledge while building on the recognition earned through the regional awards.
NACA TRAINING SHIFTS FOCUS TO BUSINESS
Local creatives have welcomed ENCAC’s training programme, saying it will help them build business and technical skills needed to grow their careers.
Sancheziey believes the programme will help creatives understand how the industry operates and prepare them for the professional demands of a music career.
“Talent alone is not enough,” he said.
He welcomed the opportunity to learn about career management and the business side of the industry, which he feels can help artists make better decisions.
Luyanda Mali also sees value in learning skills that are not always gained through performing.
“Understanding the business side of music can help us make better decisions as artists,” he said.
For Mali, the programme could prepare creatives for opportunities that may follow recognition through the awards.
CyNdukwemnyama focused on the technical side of the programme, saying sound engineering could open another area of work for creatives.
“The sound engineering training can benefit many creatives,” he said. He encouraged participants to use the opportunity to gain as much knowledge as possible.
Mvikzor praised ENCAC for supporting creatives even after the awards.
He said the initiative showed that recognition should be followed by development.
For him, the training demonstrates a commitment to helping creatives grow rather than simply celebrating their achievements.
