Melisizwe Zwane crowned best conductor at Ntjilo-Ntjilo

MBABANE- His Majesty’ Correctional Services Choir conductor Melisizwe Zwane bags E5 000 cash prize by main partner Eswatini Med after being crowned the Best Conductor of the 2026 Ntjilo-Ntjilo Choral Competition.

The special presentation was made by Eswatini Med’s Principal Officer, Sicelo Mkhonta, during a prize handover ceremony held on Friday, October 23, at the Manzini Arts and Culture offices. During the launch of the Ntjilo-Ntjilo Competition Mkhonta had announced the special award for local conductors to prepare.

Zwane’s name had not been announced during the main competition held late last month, making the award a pleasant surprise during a prize presentation eagerly anticipated by local choral groups.

Zwane expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, describing the award as a reflection of collective effort rather than individual glory, “The award is a testament to the fine work the choir does onstage. It means a lot to me because it shows that whatever I do in leading the choir, the choir takes it on and delivers perfectly on stage, I owe it all to each and every member of the team, and it did come as a pleasant surprise too. Sincere gratitude to the Ntjilo-Ntjilo Arts Festival and Eswatini Med,” he said.

The choirs representatives paying attention to the proceedings.

The presentation of prizes came at a crucial time for participating choirs, who were growing increasingly anxious to receive their prize money to finance upcoming trips to South Africa. Local ensembles are currently finalizing preparations for major regional competitions, including the Buang Moloto and the Tiro Mpane Foundation National Choral Eisteddfod eliminations taking place this weekend.

Eswatini Med commended the local conductors for raising the artistic standard of the festival and actively cultivating homegrown talent across the country.

Adding to the festival’s expanding support, Tibiyo Insurance group also stepped forward as a key sponsor, specifically directing its prize presentation toward the Zion choirs category.

Mathokoza Sibiya, the visionary founder of the Ntjilo-Ntjilo competition, warmly congratulated all participating choirs for their dedication and outstanding performances. He extended heartfelt appreciation to all corporate sponsors who rallied behind the festival, contributing a total sponsorship package exceeding E500 000.

Stanley Dlamini , the CEO at Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture commended the competition in deep rooted mission for promoting culture highlighting the songs sang at the competition. He further congratulated choirs set to represent Eswatini this weekend in the regional eliminations.

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