Mahamba Gorge Music Fest to boost Eswatini’s economy
Minister of Sports, Culture, and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima said the recently launched Mahamba Gorge Music Fest will contribute to Eswatini’s economy.
The minister, through the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo said this during the launch of the festival, recently held at the Bethel Court Hotel in Ezulwini.
“Unlike in previous years, those attending the Mahamba Gorge Hiking event will now have added reason to spend the entire weekend in and around Mahamba, boosting the area and the wider region’s economy. This in turn will benefit accommodation facilities, small businesses, and other players in the economy,” he said.
Arts festivals have long been recognized as a powerful tool for boosting a country’s economy and attracting tourists from around the world. These vibrant celebrations of creativity and culture not only showcase a nation’s artistic talents but also have a significant impact on the local economy and tourism industry.
One of the key ways in which arts festivals contribute to economic growth is through increased spending by both locals and tourists. Attendees often spend money on tickets, food, accommodation, transportation, and souvenirs, injecting a substantial amount of revenue into the local economy.
This surge in spending can benefit a wide range of businesses, from hotels and restaurants to small vendors and artisans, creating a ripple effect that stimulates economic activity.
Moreover, arts festivals have the potential to attract many tourists, both domestic and international, who are drawn to the unique cultural experiences offered by these events.
Tourists are not only interested in attending the festival itself but also in exploring the surrounding area, visiting local attractions, and experiencing the country’s rich cultural heritage.
This influx of visitors can lead to increased demand for tourism services, such as guided tours, transportation, and accommodations, further boosting the local economy.
In addition to the economic benefits, arts festivals also play a crucial role in promoting a country’s cultural identity and heritage on the global stage. By showcasing the talents of local artists and performers, these festivals help to raise awareness of the country’s cultural richness and diversity, attracting attention and admiration from audiences worldwide.
This positive exposure can enhance the country’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub and a must-visit destination for art and culture enthusiasts.
By leveraging the unique appeal of arts and culture, countries can harness the potential of these festivals to boost their economies, attract tourists, and showcase their cultural heritage to the world. “The festival we have launched will change the face and feel of the Mahamba Gorge Hiking event as we know it and has the potential to transform the Shiselweni region.
By marrying an arts section into this established, annual event, we stand to reap the immense cultural and economic benefits that are often derived when tourism and the arts meet,” said Minister Nzima.
He added that most importantly, the Mahamba Gorge Arts Festival presents a solid platform for artists from the Shiselweni region to showcase their talents in front of a national audience, in their backyard.
Scheduled to be held April 26-28, 2024, the festival’s lineup will run throughout the entire hike weekend, featuring comedy, fashion shows, gospel shows and of course, the main music festival on Sunday. Nzima said he is delighted to learn that this year’s line-up will feature several Shiselweni-born artists.
The minister said this variety is pleasing and adequately mirrors the wide quality that can be found across Eswatini’s arts sector. “Such stages have been lacking for artists in the region and this festival will play an important role towards addressing these historic imbalances and ensuring even growth in the arts sector across the country,” he added.
Enjoy
The minister lauded that this festival aligns with the Mahamba Gorge Hiking Sport’s family theme and will ensure that everyone has something to enjoy throughout this threeday festival extravaganza.
“It is pleasing to note that this festival has been born off engagements we had with the Mahamba Gorge Hiking Sports organisers, through our recently launched Nhlangano Regional Arts Centre. This, to us, highlights the importance of decentralising our services across the country and such results are already giving us added impetus to upscale this decentralisation drive,” he said.
Mahamba Gorge appears as a deep cleft in the rocky, aloe-studded ridge, where the Mkondvo River breaks through the mountainous border with South Africa. Here a local community project maintains attractive stone self-catering chalets, with a picnic area and information centre.
Trails
Trails led along the river and up over the cliffs into the gorge, where birdwatchers should look out for a colony of the rare southern bald ibis. Other birds include black eagles, while rock hyraxes – their prey – scurry among the boulders.
The historic Mahamba area lies at the very south of the MR9, just short of the
main southwest road border with South Africa. Minister Nzima also applauded the Mahamba Gorge Hiking Sport’s leadership for this groundbreaking idea.
He said as a Ministry, through the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), they are pledging to support artists and hope that this initiative will grow and be sustained for generations.
“As I conclude, I now urge you, as artists and stakeholders, who will be involved in delivering this festival to bring your A-game. Let us make this a safe festival and importantly, one to remember for all who will attend,” he concluded.