Eswatini’s spoken word fraternity gathered for a night of celebration, recognition and artistic excellence as the OGF Poetry Awards 2026 honoured the country’s outstanding poets and productions during the much-anticipated War Words 7 Poetry Show.
The annual awards once again cemented their reputation as one of the country’s premier platforms for recognising excellence in spoken word poetry,
bringing together poets, creatives, business leaders, sponsors, partners and poetry enthusiasts under one roof to celebrate the remarkable growth of the art form.
The day was filled with excitement as artists who have dedicated themselves to using poetry as a tool for storytelling, education, advocacy and cultural preservation were recognised for their contributions. 
The awards also highlighted the increasing recognition of poetry as an important pillar of Eswatini’s creative industry.
Speaking after the ceremony, OGF Movement Communications Officer Banelile Simelane described the awards as more than simply recognising winners.
“The OGF Poetry Awards are about celebrating the incredible talent that exists within Eswatini and creating opportunities for poets to be recognised for their hard work,” she said.
She said the awards continue to fulfil the organisation’s vision of building a sustainable future for spoken word while encouraging excellence among both established and emerging artists.
According to Simelane, poetry has grown into a powerful platform that allows artists to tell authentic Eswatini stories, preserve the country’s cultural identity and inspire meaningful conversations within communities.
“We are not just handing out trophies. We are building confidence, creating opportunities and showing poets that their voices matter,” she said.
She added that the atmosphere throughout the evening reflected how far spoken word poetry has evolved in Eswatini, with increasing support from audiences, businesses and development partners.
The competition recognised excellence across six highly competitive categories.
Lizwe Umlangeni walked away with the prestigious Best Poet of the Year award after another outstanding year of performances and contributions to the spoken word community.
Eleanor was crowned Best Female Poet, receiving recognition for her consistency, creativity and influence within the industry.
One of the evening’s most celebrated moments came when Phiwa DePoet received the Best Upcoming Poet award, acknowledging the young artist’s rapid rise and immense potential within Eswatini’s poetry landscape.
The award for Best Poetry Collaboration went to “Unguye” by Tincane featuring Elvis and Mncedy The Poet, a production praised for its artistic chemistry and powerful delivery.
Poet Sihle Nkhosi’s production, “Tribute”, claimed the Best Poetry Video accolade for its compelling visual storytelling and creative presentation.
Meanwhile, Poetry in Comfort successfully defended its title after being named Best Poetry Show for the second consecutive year, highlighting its consistency in creating impactful platforms for spoken word artists.
Simelane said each winner represented the diversity and strength of Eswatini’s poetry movement.
She noted that the awards celebrate not only individual brilliance but also collaborations, productions,
innovative storytelling and the platforms that continue to nurture creative talent.
She further said recognising excellence motivates artists to continuously improve their craft while inspiring young people to believe that poetry can become a respected profession.
The awards presentation itself reflected the growing confidence that corporate organisations and community leaders have in Eswatini’s creative economy.
Simelane, together with Precious Masuku of Jonokuhle Upholstery, presented the award for Best Poetry Video.
Other presenters included Ntsika Dlamini, Managing Director of Urban Pulse, alongside Green Initiative Chairman Ndumiso Sibandze, who presented the Best Poetry Show award.
Sibandze later joined Eswatini Poetry Association President Mayibongwe Magagula to present the Best Poetry Collaboration award.
The Best Upcoming Poet category was presented by Zanethembe Zwide of The Music Lounge together with Sanele Ndlangamandla from Optimal Insurance Brokers.
Nokulunga Magagula of SS Transullity Spa and Nothando Dube of Inhlalabantfu Guest House presented the Best Female Poet award, while the evening’s highest honour,
Best Poet of the Year, was presented by Jonokuhle Upholstery Chief Executive Officer Sibonokuhle Simelane alongside Final Episode Records Director Lwazi Mngometulu.
Simelane said the participation of business leaders and sponsors demonstrated the increasing appreciation of poetry as an important contributor to Eswatini’s creative and cultural economy.
“It is encouraging to see more organisations believing in the value of the arts and investing in platforms that celebrate creativity,” she said.
She explained that such partnerships play a critical role in ensuring artists receive both recognition and opportunities to grow professionally.
The Communications Officer also expressed gratitude to the organisations whose sponsorship made the event possible.
She acknowledged the support of Swazi Au Pair, Optimal Insurance Brokers, Urban Pulse, MSEVEN Graphics, Jonokuhle Upholstery,
Final Episode Records, The Music Lounge, Technosol Technology, Elephant Design, Green Initiative and numerous other partners who contributed towards the success of the event.
Simelane said investing in poetry is ultimately an investment in young people, culture and the future of Eswatini.
“When organisations support poetry, they are supporting creativity, youth development, cultural preservation and the future of our creative economy,” she said.
She noted that such partnerships provide artists with opportunities to showcase their talents, receive meaningful recognition and inspire future generations of storytellers.
Beyond celebrating winners, Simelane said the OGF Poetry Awards remain committed to creating long-term opportunities for spoken word artists across the country.
She said the initiative seeks to encourage artistic excellence while strengthening the local poetry industry by giving poets a platform to grow their audiences and gain wider recognition.
As the curtain fell on another successful edition of the awards, Simelane extended appreciation to every nominee, performer, voter, sponsor, partner and audience member whose contribution made the event possible.
She said their continued support ensures that spoken word poetry continues to flourish and that the voices of Eswatini’s poets will inspire generations to come.
“The journey does not end with one awards ceremony.
This is part of a much bigger vision to ensure poetry continues to thrive and that every talented poet knows there is a platform where their work is seen, valued and celebrated,” she said.
