NACA 2026 pairs Creative recognition with support

 

 

The National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) 2026 nominees have been announced alongside a series of pledges aimed at giving artists support that extends beyond recognition on awards night.

The pledges, announced on Tuesday at the MTN Golf Club in Ezulwini, include financial prizes, mentorship, clothing and opportunities for artists to perform at future events.

The second NACA Awards ceremony is scheduled for 28 November 2026, with nominees drawn from a wide range of creative disciplines including music, traditional arts, theatre, comedy, fashion, visual arts, poetry, photography, content creation and videography.

Among the financial commitments announced was an E50,000 pledge from Eclipse Investment, represented by Sinqobile Nkononye, towards the Lifetime Achievement Award recognising Addison Salayedvwa Magagula.

UNESWA researcher and academic Bakhombisile Dlamini also pledged E5,000 towards the poetry category. For artists in the visual arts, fine artist Honest Mhlanga offered a one-month mentorship programme for fine art nominees, which will conclude with an exhibition.

Honey Child Style founder Pinky Glover, through iKleri, pledged to dress performers at the awards, while Eswatini Farmers Market Director Mbekezeli Culolam Dlamini said five winning artists from different categories would be selected to perform at next year's event.

Jumbo Khumalo, founder of the Eswatini Jumbo and Lifestyle Awards, further pledged to book and pay two winning performing artists at an upcoming event. The support pledges came as NACA unveiled a broad list of nominees representing both established and emerging creative talent.

 

The awards include categories such as Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Arts Organisation, Best Arts Promoter, Best Choreographer, Best Comedian, Best Community Arts Initiative, Best Content Creator, Best Crafts Artist, Best Creative Brand, Best Dancer, Best Fashion Designer, Best Festival or Event, Best Fine Artist, Best Model, Best Photographer and Best Poet.

Music forms a substantial part of the nominations, with categories covering regional Afro Pop, Album/EP, Collaboration, DJ, Female Artist, Gospel, Hip Hop, Indigenous Artist, Male Artist, Maskandi, Music Video, Producer, Song and Traditional Gospel Artist.

Traditional arts are also represented through Ingadla, Lutsango, Sibhaca and Mbaqanga categories, while school competitions include Drama, Ingadla, Ummiso and Sibhaca.

The awards also create space for developing talent through categories such as Best Upcoming Music Artist and Most Promising Talent.

Among those nominated for Best Upcoming Music Artist are Ghost 700, MCO Jamrock, Nkay & Smally, ProRBS, As 4 JerryP, VeeGee, Ayanda Dlamini, Machawe Simelane, CY Ndukwenyama and Mrs Vee.

The Most Promising Talent category includes GIFTEDKOSIE, Thaifo Son, Luyanda Motsa, Isabel Maziya, Lesia Musiq and Bobo Rocboy. Portfolio Committee Chairperson Sifiso Shabalala said the nominations provide the public with an indication of the talent and work available within the creative sector.

 He also said stronger participation and recognition of artists could help build a case for increased investment in the sector.

The 2026 nominations therefore place both established practitioners and emerging talent within the same awards framework, while the accompanying pledges introduce opportunities that can continue beyond the November ceremony. The NACA Awards will take place on November 28,  2026.

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