This year’s Ntjilo-Ntjilo Arts Festival was a magnificent celebration of talent, culture, and fierce competition, culminating in triumphant victories for the His Majesty’s Correctional Services (HMCS) Choir and the Emmanuel Methodist Choir, in the large and standard categories respectively.
The air at the UNESWA Sports Emporium in Kwaluseni was alive with excitement on Sunday, as the festival unfolded with vibrant energy.
A Showcase of Arts and Music
Beginning early at 8 a.m., the festival showcased a dazzling array of artistic expressions, including poetry, fine art, and choral music.
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In the fine art category, Maxwell Mavundla claimed first place, proudly taking home a cash prize of E2 000 for his exceptional work.
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In the musical arena, the soprano and bass duet performed by Thando Zwane and Tengesihle Gwebu captivated both audience and judges, earning them the same prize of E2 000.
The Choir Competitions
The spotlight later shifted to choral performances, which delivered some of the most stirring moments of the festival.
Teams such as FTMJ Choir and Florence Catholic Choir performed powerful renditions that resonated deeply with the crowd. Their cultural regalia added a layer of pride and authenticity, showcasing Eswatini’s rich heritage.
When the scores were tallied:
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HMCS Choir emerged champion in the large category with 188 points.
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Manzini Choir followed with 163 points.
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Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) Choir came third with 162 points.
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In the standard category, Emmanuel Methodist Choir topped the list with 158 points, narrowly beating Sweet Sounds (156 points) and Pure Voices (155 points).
Awards and Recognition
The festival also featured a special awards ceremony, presented by:
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Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima
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Lubombo regional MP, Futhi Ngcamphalala
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Miss Eswatini, Temvelo Mtsetfwa
The day’s programme was expertly guided by Sithembiso Dlamini, Chairperson of the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association, who also acknowledged notable supporters of choral music, including Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini and Dr. Hugh Magagula.
A Festival of Heritage and Harmony
As the sun set, winners basked in their glory, their melodies and the crowd’s cheers filling the air.
The Ntjilo-Ntjilo Arts Festival once again proved to be a vibrant platform where talent, culture, and passion harmoniously intertwine.
![Musician and multidisciplinary creative Mzwandile ‘Lution’ Nxumalo is among the Freedom250 recipients exploring music, sound engineering and Afrocentric storytelling. [Right] Choreographer Welcome Mavoka, founder of Beyond Limits, has been selected for Freedom250 support to advance dance development and performance in Eswatini.](https://www.eswatiniobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ent-1-218x150.jpg "US Embassy funds four creatives")
