JELELE Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr P has raised concerns about the decision to introduce access fees for upcoming artists at the new Arts and Culture Recording Studio in Manzini.
Dr P said while the initiative had potential, it would only succeed if managed by professionals.
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“This is a great initiative if the facility will be run by professional people who are well trained and know their work,” he said.
He argued that offering lower access fees could undermine the growth of the music industry.
“This thing of recording cheaply is not productive. We need to practice the culture of business in Eswatini so that the country produces quality music to compete internationally,” he explained.
Dr P added that without the right structures, the initiative risked falling short of its intended goals.
“If we are going to have studio access fees but lack experts to direct local talent, then we would be wasting our time,” he said.
ENCAC studio opens doors for artists
LOCAL artists say affordable access to the newly launched Arts and Culture Recording Studio is breaking barriers and creating opportunities for musical growth.
The studio, launched by the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), operates on a dual model, where financially stable musicians pay a commercial fee while emerging artists pay lower access fees.
ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini said the model was designed to ensure talent, not money, determines access. “Artists who are financially stable will pay a reasonable commercial fee, which helps sustain the studio, while emerging artists who cannot afford these costs will pay an access fee,” he explained.
For many upcoming musicians, this approach has been described as a game changer.
Artist Nelly Noll said affordable recording removes barriers and unlocks growth. “Having access to a professional studio creates room for collaboration and authentic creativity.
Beyond music, it allows us to tell our stories in ways that represent Eswatini on bigger stages,” she said.
Fellow upcoming artist Quekey expressed gratitude for government’s support. “This is a very big opportunity for us, and it shows that government believes in the potential of the youth and the creative industry,” he said.
He added that working with professional engineers not only improves quality, but also helps artists learn and develop their craft.
For artist Smooth B, the studio represents hope.
“Having this studio can help me record more songs, and one of them could be a breakthrough. Its facilities meet international standards,” he said.
The affordable studio has already sparked excitement among artists, who believe it could shift the landscape of Eswatini’s music industry by enabling more voices to be heard.
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