By Siphesihle Dlamini
Local country music duo Dusty & Stones has once again elevated Eswatini’s status on the global stage by winning the coveted Audience Award at the 2024 Loft Film Fest for their captivating documentary, ‘Dusty & Stones.’
The duo, composed of cousins Gazi Simelane, affectionately known as Dusty, and Lindokuhle Msibi, referred to as Stones, has been making waves in the music industry with their unique blend of country sounds infused with local flavour.
Upon hearing the news of their latest accolade, Dusty expressed his astonishment, stating, “This is our film’s 13th award. That’s so surreal. We never thought it would go this far.
What’s amazing is that this film tells a story of how impossibility became a possibility—of childhood dreams achieved. It also proves the adage:
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Dusty and Stones were ready when the opportunity came. So, it’s exciting and still unbelievable.”
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The documentary chronicles the inspiring journey of the duo as they navigate the challenges of being struggling country music singers from Eswatini.
Their story takes a dramatic turn when they receive an unexpected invitation to record their music in Nashville, Tennessee, and compete in a prestigious battle of the bands in Texas.
The film resonates not only with music enthusiasts but also with anyone who has ever dared to dream. It captures the essence of resilience, illustrating how the duo’s determination and hard work paved the way for their success.
Their journey is a testament to the belief that with passion and tenacity, even the most daunting goals can be achieved.
Dusty & Stones expressed immense gratitude to the CICAE jury for recognizing their work. They extended heartfelt thanks to Charlotte Kramer from Salzgeber & Co.
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in Berlin, Frédéric Cornet from Cinema Galeries in Brussels, and Peter Catalanotte from Film Tucson.
The CICAE Arthouse Cinema Award is presented at major international festivals by a jury of Arthouse cinema exhibitors and programmers, emphasizing the importance of bringing high-quality films to audiences around the world.
