Creatives’ views on
TEswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) will be hosting an Arts Summit on March 14 at Julios Cinelux in Manzini. This will be a two-day seminar which will end on March 15, 2024.
There would be discussions about the local arts sector and there would also be the launch of the ENCAC policy which was reviewed last year at The George Hotel.
ENCAC recently announced the guests who will form part of the panel and these include, Kwai-Jazz founder Don Laka, actor Hamilton Dlamini, Gospel musician Sipho Makhabane, Copyright Society Executive Director Mmeli Hlandze, Gospel musician Nduduzo Matse as well as Ziyawa, to name a few.
We tagged some local creatives to get their views as well as their expectations on the upcoming summit.
This is because they play a huge role in the local industry, as they are active players who will be stars in the future. We hope you will take your time to read about their suggestions and expectations below;
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“As young upcoming artists and DJs, we would like to spread our talent not only here in Eswatini but out of the country too so that we can also get recognised in the countries around Africa. The different types of artists around the world should also get to know about the upcoming youths who also get inspired by different kinds of people who get to sing and showcase their talents.”
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“Firstly, finding inspiration to create art consistently in the country is probably the most difficult thing about being an artist. All artists hit creative roadblocks from time to time, that’s totally becomes a normal thing in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Not knowing what to create next is not cool, especially if art is your career. Finding buyers for our artwork is a common challenge for artists. It can be tough to reach the right audience and make a living through my craft. To add on, to be a musician is not easy to connect with event organisers who can provide exposure and opportunities for collaboration with the artists they book from outside countries, so personally I think the summit will help and educate more youngsters who are in the industry.”
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“Well, as a musician I’d love to see stakeholders discussing the growth of the industry. The local music industry has been stagnant for years due to the finances directed to entertainment in the country. It is time entertainment is regulated and taken as a serious sector in the kingdom through which a lot of emaSwati earn a living. Government needs to assist at least some of the big events and even encourage investors to invest in entertainment. Another issue to be addressed should be the one of establishing an independent body to look at the welfare of artists in the music local music industry.”
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“This summit should cover on the expansion of functions, T55 was a good example who helped artists take their work seriously, it also kept them busy and they did not have much time for drugs and alcohol. Exhibition platforms as well as a regulated pay for all artists locally. Our arts and culture council should balance its duties and not only focus only on culture but also arts. The arts
sector
competitive