EDITOR’S CORNER!

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I ever felt like a groupie as an editor, it had to be definitely last week Friday. What an experience, to finally see and meet the globetrotting Eswatini-born Uncle Waffles live on the decks at Malandela’s for the Dragon’s Den party.

Not on TV, not on YouTube but like 2cm away from me doing what she’s been doing globally in front of soccer legends, international DJs, Drake, Europe, literally all the right venues for her crowd.

It was such an honour and yes for a minute I was a groupie and collected my memories after we took a selfie after our interview with the superstar, the joys of my job, I’m grateful to God for this opportunity. It was the first time I got home after 5am after dancing with my two left feet, I had an awesome time.

The next day I headed to Malkerns Country Club for the True to Life festival, even though they had a slow start, but boy the performances were out of this world.

The first artist we interviewed was South African Gospel artist Dumi Mkokstad, we actually found him already at the venue, such professionalism, and I was impressed.

Especially as SA artists are notorious for arriving late for events.

As I was chilling in the car taking a breather after watching a few performances, DJ Tira pulled in.

I quickly called Nombuso to come outside the venue for us to conduct a live interview for our social media, and because I know she was going to kill it, and she did.

When it was time for him to take the stage, just after 5pm, he exceeded my expectations with his performance, especially when he started dancing on the speakers.

The power cuts didn’t deter him, he kept on his high spirit until his time was up, and yes I danced with my two feet once again when he played my old time favourites.

Then came on the headliners, Mafikizolo, just after 11:30pm as tired as I was I came to life after seeing Theo’s dance moves. The guy can dance, such great performance; it was actually my first time seeing them perform live.

The duo definitely stole the show when they played my favourite hit titled ‘Niwabizelani amapoyisa’, took me back to early 2000, thank you Bongani Mamba for hosting us, we had a great time.

This week seems to be a Gospel extravaganza, as yesterday at Mavuso Trade Centre Dr Tumi, Takie Ndou, Nduduzo Matse and Ndoni trilled fans at the charity concert.

Then today we will see Ntokozo Mbambo at Nothando Dlamini’s live recording at Mbabane Alliance Church, fans are certainly in for a treat and spoilt for choice.

On Gcwala this week we sat down with Opera singer Tengesihle Gwebu and she told us about her experience of performing at the Luju Festival.

And on five favourite things we spoke to legendary radio veteran host Lindelwa ‘Lindz’ Mafa. We also spoke to DJ Mtsepisto about his craft and the industry as a whole.

Enjoy our collage of pictures on pages eight and nine. Also hand over page seven to the little’s ones to be creative.

Remember; you asked for better and that’s why things are clearing out. Welcome the change and be open to new beginnings, it’s your time!

Have a blessed week.

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Tweek on Gcwala, the team met with a local opera singer who recently graced the phenomenal Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival Galp Energia Garden stage.

She is passionate about choral music and is also a soloist. She is none other than Tengesihle Mimi Gwebu born and bred in Eswatini. She is known for her soul soothing vocals w h i c h have permitted her to share the stage with the great South African opera singer Pretty Yende. We sat down with her for a chat, and she told us about her journey.

HIS Take us through your character and tell us what is it that you like about yourself ?

I’m one person who is conserved and shy. I have stage fright and every time I go on stage there is this adrenaline rush that most people get when they go on stage. But what I’ve liked about myself in these past few years I’ve been performing is that I have learnt a lot when it comes to hospitality, it has taught me a great deal about dealing with a fan base and the clients. I have also developed strong problem solving skills because most of the times fans demand more than what you can give on stage hence you have to improvise and give them what they want. I have also polished my communication skills, I’ve learnt to communicate better with different individuals that will come demanding, appreciating and individuals that will come criticising. I have learnt to deal with that.

What has kept you going and motivated you?

Wow, to be honest success is what motivates me to do a good job. Not even a day goes by where I do not pray for success. Knowing the fact that my hard work and perseverance will help me achieve greater professions and successes is what actually keeps me going. I feel that aligning opera music visions is one way for me to achieve that. Honestly, when you take a look at how the music industry is deteriorating, one would think that it will die sooner or later but I always wish that I’d revive the love for music, the love of opera music. I hope one day people will realise how important opera music is, how soul soothing opera music is.

When did you fall in love with opera music and why?

I fell in love with opera at the age of 17 because before then I sang classic music. After that I started venturing in the genre of opera music, I fell in love with it mostly