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MINISTER SENDS OFF CHORAL MUSIC CHOIRS TO JOHANNESBURG COMPETITION

By DEO GRATIAS MAGAGULA | 2024-12-13

THE Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Affairs Bongani Nzima bid farewell to choirs that will be representing Eswatini at the Tiro Mpane competition in Johannesburg this weekend.

The send off was held yesterday morning at the ministry of sports, youth and culture affairs offices at Lilunga House.

Sihle Gumbi, the President of the Eswatini Choral Music Association announced that the competition was set to take place between Saturday and Sunday, would be attended by He said it, Emmanuel Methodist Choir, Mbabane Methodist Choir, His Majesty's Correctional Services Choir, and the Royal Eswatini Police Services Choir.

Gumbi expressed concerns about the funding for the event, stating that sponsors had only catered for 60 attendees, while their choirs typically consist of 80-90 members.

He noted that the provided resources covered only breakfast and lunch, prompting the association to seek additional financial assistance from the ministry to cover miscellaneous expenses.

Gumbi also highlighted that the Mbabane Methodist Church Choir would proudly represent Eswatini at the opening ceremony, dressed in traditional regalia at Gold Reef City before the competition.

Reflecting on the growth of choral music in Eswatini, Gumbi remarked, “In the past, choral music was not celebrated in Eswatini like it is today, so as an association, we would like to thank the government for recognising and supporting choral music.”

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Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture CEO Stanley Dlamini shared his pride in the choirs' achievements at international competitions, expressing sadness that they were leaving on the same weekend as the NACAs.

He emphasised, “Most artists in Eswatini, even in hip-hop, have a choral foundation, so this is a very important initiative.”

The minister conveyed his pleasure in officially sending the choirs to the Tiro Mpane Choral Competition. He recognised the significance of the event, stating that they carry the pride and hopes of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Nzima commended the Eswatini National Choral Music Association for their dedication to ensuring high standards in choral music competitions, which have garnered recognition for the country both regionally and internationally. He also thanked the partners and sponsors whose contributions have strengthened Eswatini's choirs.

He encouraged the choirs to conquer at the competition, reminding them that their achievements reflected the honour of the Kingdom of Eswatini.

“Go forth, represent us with pride and return home with yet another chapter of glory in your remarkable story,” he urged the entire Kingdom to stand firmly behind the choirs, expecting them to fly the flag high and make Eswatini proud.

Choir conductor Ntsikelelo Dlamini from the Royal Eswatini Police Choir shared his nervousness about the competition but promised to represent the country well.

Nomvula Nxumalo, the HMCS chairperson, expressed her appreciation for the promised assistance from the ministry, stating that it would ease the stress of their trip, as fundraising had fallen short.

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