DPM announces landmark festival featuring 59 artists with disabilities
By Siphesihle Dlamini
The upcoming Music and Arts Festival for Persons with Disabilities has already made headlines with an impressive registration of 59 artists across diverse artistic disciplines.
Scheduled for September 27, 2025, at The Luke Commission Hall, this landmark event promises to be a vibrant showcase of creativity, resilience, and talent within Eswatini’s disability community.
At a press conference held on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla officially announced the festival in collaboration with key partners including the Federation of Organisations of Disabled Persons in Swaziland (FODSWA), Eswatini Arts and Culture, and the National Disability Council.
The registration numbers alone underscore the enthusiasm and readiness of artists to demonstrate their skills and challenge societal perceptions about disability.
Breaking down the registrations reveals a rich tapestry of artistic expression: 38 musicians are set to perform, representing a wide range of musical styles and genres.
Dance, a powerful medium of physical expression, will be represented by two performers. Poetry, known for its ability to convey deep emotions and stories, boasts nine registered artists.
Drama and theatre, with two participants, will bring storytelling and performance art to life on stage. Craft artists, numbering four, will display their creative handiwork, while three visual artists will present paintings and other visual media.
Adding a unique dimension to the festival, one fashion designer will showcase innovative designs, highlighting the intersection of art and style within the disability arts community.
Deputy Prime Minister Dladla described the festival as “more than a festival; it is a true testament to courage, creativity, and the undeniable truth that disability is not inability.
” She emphasised that the event reflects the immense talent within the disability community and the transformative power of the arts to create sustainable livelihoods.
“To every artist registered, you are pioneers, and we are proud of you,” she said, recognising the trailblazing spirit of the participants.
The festival’s significance extends beyond artistic performance. It serves as a platform to challenge stereotypes, foster inclusion, and promote social change.
By elevating the voices and talents of people with disabilities, the event confronts misconceptions and highlights the contributions of this vibrant community to Eswatini’s cultural landscape.
The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the event’s sponsors, whose support has been instrumental in bringing the festival to life.
The Luke Commission is providing the venue and logistical backing, while Unifoods, Happy Valley, Hungry Lion, World Impact, Development Partners, and the Eswatini Arts and Culture Council have contributed funding and resources.
Their involvement demonstrates a growing commitment from both the private sector and development partners to support inclusive cultural initiatives.
To further empower the participating artists, the Eswatini Arts and Culture Council will commence music development sessions at the Manzini Arts Centre starting the day after the announcement.
These sessions aim to enhance the skills and professional growth of the musicians, providing ongoing mentorship and training that will extend well beyond the festival itself.
In a call to action, Deputy Prime Minister Dladla encouraged additional sponsorship from companies and individuals, emphasising the potential for the festival to grow and have an even greater impact in the future.
She expressed optimism that with increased support, the event could become a flagship celebration on Eswatini’s cultural calendar. “We invite you to contribute to this journey so that next year’s festival will be even greater,” she urged.
Local artist Sipho Big Fish Makhabane, a respected figure in Eswatini’s music scene, has pledged to mentor aspiring artists participating in the festival.
His commitment to nurturing emerging talent reflects a broader spirit of solidarity and community within the arts sector. By sharing his experience and expertise, Makhabane aims to help artists refine their craft and reach their full potential.
This historic festival is set to be a remarkable celebration of talent, resilience, and community spirit. It not only honours artistic excellence but also amplifies the voices of a community often marginalised.
The Music and Arts Festival for Persons with Disabilities embodies a powerful message: that creativity transcends physical limitations and that the arts can serve as a catalyst for empowerment, social inclusion, and economic opportunity.