Culture competition winners want to develop
LOBAMBA - The 6th edition of the Ingwenyama Cup and culture competitions had Somhlolo National Stadium filled to the brim on Sunday as emaSwati had been longing for the event.
*ates were opened as early as am for this year’s finals, making way for vendors and attendees to settle in comfortably for the day.
(ven though the rains on the day were persistent, that did not stop the participants from giving it their all for the grand finale. Senzo Dlamini was the first praise singer to grace the stage for the culture competitions and later on was the announced the winner for that category, walking away with ( .
Champions
Lutsango from Nkwene scooped first place, they said the secret to winning the competition was consistency and respect each other as a team. ³It is actually our first time joining this competition and we are very elated to be crowned champs. Indeed SM9AF Is here to help us rural women and the nation at large to develop,” said =ama Shongwe who spoke on behalf of her teammates. Shongwe also added that with the money that they won as women they would not sit down with, but would start businesses like handicraft work.
Mazwi Mnisi from Maphalaleni was also the cream of the crop in the Indlamu category speaking on behalf of his team said that it was actually their third time winning the competition.
³I can safely say that our teams’ secret to success is that our coaches are well seasoned when it comes to the culture of the kingdom and also coach teams at a national level.” Mazwi also said for them the rain, was not an issue as they were used to performing in the rain the trick was just in knowing how to position yourself and not slip due to the wet grass.
Timbongi runner-up Tebesutfu Nkambule said that one way she prepared for the competition was always singing praises to the .ing, even when doing her house chores. ³I would sometimes put a picture of the .ing before me, and it would be like I am seeing him physically right in front of me even when washing dishes and start my praises, I think that really paid off and helped me get this far. ”
The -year-old said that her dream was for female praise singers to also be in the limelight and be given the chance to sing .ings praises at national events and even get to a point where they travel with The .ing.