Culture Magazine

  From a quiet border community to the studios of national broadcasting, a young woman is ready to give a voice to Eswatini’s rural storytellers. Rooted in the Borderlands In the calm yet resilient community of Lomahasha , near Eswatini’s borders with South Africa and Mozambique, Gugulethu Mahlalela is preparing to make her mark in the world of broadcast journalism.  The final-year Journalism student at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) has a passion for storytelling shaped by her upbringing among hardworking families striving for a better life. “Growing up in the bundus, I saw people hustling every day just to survive. That inspired me to tell stories that reflect their struggles and triumphs,” she said. Raised in a Christian home by two “hustlers,” as she fondly calls her parents, Gugulethu’s values of faith, perseverance, and community drive everything she does. Finding Her Voice Her educational journey took her from Emafusini Nazarene Primary School to Lo...

  Eswatini, a small landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa, has once again proven its prowess in the realm of fashion and beauty pageants. The Eswatini Creativity Platform, a leading modeling agency in the country, recently achieved remarkable victories at two prestigious African competitions - the Blaq October Agency and the Miss Africa Unite pageant, both held in Botswana. The journey began mid-year when the Creativity Platform received an invitation to participate in the various categories of these highly competitive events. Determined to showcase the talent and poise of their models, the agency mobilized an online support network to rally votes for their representatives. On December 7th, 2024, the stage was set in Gaborone, Botswana, as models from across the African continent converged to compete. Representing Eswatini were Noncedo Mamba, the reigning Miss Culture International second runner-up, as well as Sinikiwe Dlamini and Goodness Khoza. The competition was fierce, with pa...

In a vibrant display of music, dance, and digital engagement, Uneswa FM captivated the University of Eswatini community with its recent online activation roadshow. Held on December 4th, 2024, the event exemplified the station's commitment to connecting with its youthful listenership and building awareness around its evolving digital space. The lively affair saw UNESWA FM diverse roster of presenters take centre stage, delivering energetic performance that had the crowd moving to the rhythms. From the pulsating dances from members of the LJ Crew to electrify musical sets, the events entertainment factor was undeniable, sparking an electric atmosmphere that resounded throughout the campus. Beyond the entertainment value, the roadshow served a strategic purpose for the radio station. As Uneswa FM continues to adapt to the shifting media landscape, this activation was designed to educate listeners about the station's new streaming capabilities and strengthened social media engage...

  What inspired you to start making music and what do you hope to achieve or express through your songwriting?   I was inspired by the love my sisters had for music, so from me reading her lyric book, I started singing at the age 8 and only started writing at the age of 12. With my songwriting, I hope to achieve mental health wellbeing, emotional support and just basically make music Eswatini enjoyable like other international music. What was the process like for creating this new track? Did you write it alone or collaborate with others?  I wrote this song last year and it only got to be recorded and produced this year in April. I wrote it alone with the assistance of my producer here and there. What was the "eureka" moment when you discovered the melody, lyrics or beat that really made the song come together? I mean I took the melody from some elements of the beat. So when I finally got to fill in the words I knew from there this is going to be a very nice song. Wi...

  My name is Wendy Baxter from Mgazini,  Mankayane in the Manzini Region . I am a  Model signed under Top Models Eswatini, TME also a Member  Models Association at the Eswatini Council of Arts and Culture. I am 20 years old,  joined Top Models Eswatini last year 2023 I have done the following Fashion Shows/Week's locally and Internationally  I am Top Models Best New Comer 2023, I  was presented a Gift hamper amounting 2500 by Edgar's Stores. A Weekend Holiday at Bethel Court Hotel Massage, Sauna,  at Cuddle Puddle last but not least lunch at Mdzimba View.  1. Regional Annual Sports Awards  Presentation Esibayeni  Lodge 2023 2.Global African Fashion Coalition GAFC South Africa Mbombela Giga Guru. 2023 3.Phakama Mpumalanga Festival Nelspruit  White River 2023 4.Eswatini Epic Gig Fashion launch 2023 5.Eswatini International Fashion Week at the Eswatini Biggest Braaai 2023 Eswatini Fashion Fair 2023 at the Eswatini International Tr...

 I am Nondumiso Msibi form Top models Eswatini.I feel honoured to be part of the show Phakama Mpumalanga Festival. All I can say is Phakama Mpumalanga Festival got me first before It existence. We were in Nelspruit in 2022 for Global African Fashion Coalition GAFC with other 3 Models and Sunday we met the Founder Mr Twain Ngwenya  in White River and he told our Director Mbalenhle Manana that he will hosting a Fashion Show and inviting us. He did not end there he gave us Money to buy food along the way back to Eswatini. We were very greatful for his kind gesture.  To be selected to do international Shows  makes me realise I'm one of the best Models in the Agency, to be out of the light, it also makes me  realising that I am more than  capable than I thought I am. I'm always given International Shows. This makes me to be always my best on the Runway. I've already made my name in the Fashion Industry and striving to grow bigger than this.  I have been reh...

  BY: Ncamiso Xaba The University of Eswatini's Journalism and Media Communication (JMC) Society recently hosted a vibrant Meet and Greet Talent Show, aimed at fostering connections among students across all course levels. This event not only brought together aspiring journalists and media professionals but also showcased the diverse talents within the student body.   The talent show served as an important platform for students to express themselves and share their unique abilities. From soulful musical performances to captivating spoken word pieces, the event highlighted the rich tapestry of creativity that exists within the university.   Entertainment Acts Several students took to the stage to deliver powerful spoken word pieces. Their performances tackled various themes, including identity, social issues, and personal experiences. The emotional depth and eloquence of these pieces resonated with the audience, prompting thoughtful discussions long after the performances ...