The buzz around the NACA Awards 2024 just got louder! This year, the National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) are stepping up their game with a revamped voting system aimed at giving regional artists a bigger platform. It’s all about inclusivity and making sure every artist has a shot at the spotlight!
The team behind the awards, including ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini and NACA Chairman Sipho ‘Big Fish’ Makhabane, in an interview with times of Eswatini, recently revealed that they’ve seen a massive spike in regional votes—and this shift is giving underrepresented talent a chance to shine on a national stage.
“We’ve noticed a huge increase in votes from regional artists,” said Dlamini. “This proves that people are ready to see more diversity in the competition, and we’re thrilled to make this happen!” He explained that the new voting ratio, with 60% of the score coming from public votes and 40% from the judges, will help level the playing field for all artists.
This move is part of NACA’s larger goal: to give young and upcoming talent a chance to not only be recognized but also to build their brand. “This is a huge opportunity for emerging artists,” Dlamini added. “We want to give them the platform to showcase their talents and take their careers to the next level.”
Chairman Makhabane also chimed in, explaining how this system ensures that artists with the most fan support will still need to bring their A-game to impress the judges. “It’s not just about public votes—quality and talent matter,” he said. “We encourage everyone to keep voting and help these talented artists succeed!”
With the voting lines staying open until just before the big awards ceremony, there’s still time to make sure your favorite artist gets the recognition they deserve! Your vote could be the one that tips the scales and helps an artist from your region claim the top spot.
The NACA Awards team hopes that this year’s event will inspire more young creatives to pursue their passions and help shape the future of Eswatini’s music and arts industry. “We’re dedicated to celebrating the amazing talent that our country has to offer, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds,” Dlamini said.
So, don’t miss out! Cast your vote, support regional talent, and get ready for an awards show that’s set to showcase the best of Eswatini’s arts and culture scene.