The Association of Gospel Music in Eswatini (AGME) has told the High Court that not all gospel artists identify as Christians, as it defended its legitimacy and independence from the Association of Christian Artists of Eswatini (ACAESWA), led by its president Mzwakhe Myeni.
In an affidavit deposed by AGME Secretary General Mhlonishwa Motsa, the association argued that ACAESWA was mistaken to assume it is the sole representative body for gospel artists in the country.
Court Dispute Over Gospel Awards
The matter involves three respondents — the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) as the first respondent, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs as the second respondent, and AGME as the third.
Motsa’s affidavit challenges the urgency and substance of ACAESWA’s application, which seeks to interdict the National Gospel Music Awards, an event organised by AGME.
He argued there was no urgency, as AGME’s establishment and planned activities had been public knowledge for months.
“The third respondent was established in April and launched the upcoming Gospel Music Awards in July. All these occasions were public and widely reported in the media. There is no new fact that properly grounds urgency. The urgency alleged is self-created,” Motsa stated.
‘Gospel Artists May Not All Be Christians’
Motsa explained that AGME was formed as a voluntary association by like-minded individuals to promote and support gospel musicians in Eswatini — regardless of their religious affiliation.
“I must underline that gospel musicians come in all shapes and may not necessarily identify as Christians. To the extent that the applicant limits its membership to persons who identify themselves as Christians, the limits of membership between the applicant and the third respondent are different,” the affidavit reads.
AGME’s Mission and Independence
He said the association’s goal was to promote gospel music, support artists with recording and performance opportunities, encourage the use of Siswati in gospel compositions, and advocate for fair remuneration and recognition.
Motsa added that AGME’s constitution also focuses on preserving traditional and contemporary gospel music, protecting artists from exploitation, and assisting musicians to register in the national artist database.
“The animating idea behind the third respondent is the promotion and development of gospel music and musicians within the kingdom. It is voluntary, and any gospel musician can seek membership,” Motsa submitted.
He insisted that AGME is not a rebrand or replacement of ACAESWA, but a completely independent organisation serving a separate constituency.
Clash Over Gospel Awards
At the centre of the dispute is the hosting of gospel music awards.
While ACAESWA has previously hosted the Eswatini Gospel Music Awards, AGME plans to host the National Gospel Music Awards.
Motsa dismissed claims that AGME was attempting to usurp ACAESWA’s functions or copy its event.
“The applicant’s awards are limited to its own members. The third respondent’s awards are national awards open to every gospel musician within Eswatini, whatever association they are affiliated to,” he said.
He described ACAESWA’s complaint as a red herring, arguing that no one had exclusive rights to host gospel music awards.
“The applicant cannot lay claim to conceiving the concept of gospel music awards. This is a universal reality and not special to the applicant or to Eswatini,” Motsa said.
No Monopoly in Gospel Associations
The affidavit emphasised that there is no law restricting the existence of multiple associations representing gospel artists in Eswatini.
“It is inaccurate that there is only one association for gospel musicians or artists and any other person or association that puts itself up as an association for gospel musicians is usurping the functions of the applicant,” said Motsa.
He added that the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) had officially recognised AGME as a legitimate representative body after meeting the necessary requirements.
“Any person or organisation is entirely at large to elect which association they identify with. There is no rule against multiplicity of gospel associations,” Motsa said.
Way Forward
During the court appearance, the parties reportedly agreed to hold a meeting in an attempt to reach an amicable resolution.
However, if the meeting fails to yield positive results, the matter will proceed to court.
