THE Association of Christian Artists in Eswatini (ACAESWA) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday at Caritas in Manzini, outlining how it is rebuilding its structures and strengthening its mandate to grow gospel music nationwide.
The gathering brought together artists from across the country, reflecting a renewed sense of purpose as the organisation works to restore stability and direction within the gospel sector.
The meeting recorded strong attendance, signalling growing unity among members determined to reposition the association despite past challenges.
“Our journey as the National Executive Committee (NEC) has not been an easy one. It has been marked by uncertainty, resistance and trials that tested not only our leadership but also our unity and spiritual strength,” said Secretary General Apostle Elvis Shongwe, highlighting the turbulent transition faced by the leadership.
The absence of a structured handover from the previous committee left significant gaps in institutional knowledge, further compounded by a lack of recognition from the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture.
Despite these setbacks, the organisation pressed forward with its mission, organising events such as the Uvukile celebration shortly after assuming office.
While the event did not meet expectations, it demonstrated resilience and commitment under financial constraints, serving as a foundation for future initiatives.
“At the outset of our term, we faced a significant challenge as there was no clear or structured handover, leaving us without essential documentation needed to transition effectively,” Shongwe said, noting that internal resignations and governance hurdles further tested cohesion.
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Even so, efforts to rebuild relationships with stakeholders, including the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority, have been initiated to restore opportunities for gospel artists.
The association has also taken steps to formalise its operations by registering as a company, positioning itself to access support and operate as a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
“We stand today not as a defeated body, but as a resilient one, rebuilding, restoring and preparing for a brighter future,” Shongwe added, emphasising unity and determination as key drivers moving forward.
He said with preparations underway to reapply for official recognition, the organisation remains focused on strengthening governance, fostering collaboration and creating platforms that elevate gospel music across the country.
10 artists to receive free recording deal
A new opportunity for gospel musicians will see ACAESWA selecting 10 artists for a fully sponsored recording programme in Johannesburg, South Africa, this year.
The announcement was made by ACAESWA President Mzwakhe Myeni, who stated that the initiative follows sponsorship support awarded to the organisation in recognition of its role in growing local music.
The programme will cover recording, mastering, hotel accommodation and meals for selected artists as part of a month-long project.
“There is a sponsor that has given us an opportunity as an organisation to take 10 artists for free recording in Johannesburg,” Myeni said, adding that the selection will be based on talent demonstrated through auditions.
He further explained that the process will begin immediately, with auditions forming the core of identifying artists who will benefit from the initiative.
The sessions will not be a once-off event but part of a structured monthly programme designed to refine and prepare artists before travelling abroad.
“We will be auditioning these artists to form part of the 10, and the process starts immediately as this is not a week-long programme but a monthly preparation,” he said, urging artists across the country to prepare themselves for the opportunity.
Myeni added that rehearsal venues will be arranged locally to ensure that selected participants are fully prepared before heading to Johannesburg, where final production work will take place.
