AGP Executive Report

International Acts Rules: EEMPA says anyone bringing a foreign performer to Eswatini must first get a permit, to improve event standards, safety, and logistics. Music Awards Buzz: Amapiano star Zee Nxumalo leads Basadi in Music Awards 2026 nominations with seven nods, while Kuhle Adams also earns a TV presenter nomination as the awards head to Johannesburg in August. Culture Spotlight: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s third most famous festival, cementing Eswatini’s flagship cultural draw for local and international visitors. Local Entertainment & Integrity: The Eswatini Football Association Referees Committee bans senior officials over match manipulation, showing a tougher stance on corruption in sport. Grassroots Arts Support: Old Mutual Eswatini backs the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association with E50,000 to keep young voices performing and competing. Festival Impact: MTN Bushfire’s recent run brought a rise in arrivals and strong hotel occupancy, underlining Eswatini’s growing arts-tourism pull. Sports Audio Trend: Spotify data shows football podcast listening surging across sub-Saharan Africa, with Eswatini up 160.2%.

Disability & Inclusion: Zimbabwe’s National Disability Expo 2026 kicks off at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo from 24–26 June, with President Mnangagwa as guest of honour and an empowerment package including residential stands, livestock, solar gear and mining tools. Music & Media Buzz: Spotify data shows football podcast listening surging across sub-Saharan Africa, with Eswatini up 160.2%—fans are leaning into match analysis and local creator talk. Local Sports Integrity: The Eswatini Football Association bans senior referee Vusani Dlamini for two years over match manipulation, following another recent high-profile suspension. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Old Mutual Eswatini backs grassroots choral music with a E50,000 sponsorship for the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association. Entertainment & Community: A free solidarity concert in Cape Town for World Refugee Day featured musicians from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini and more, pushing back against afrophobia. Arts Education: Whetstone Primary pupil Khushi Ashley Moonilal wins the Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Competition and will represent South Africa internationally.

Disability Inclusion: Zimbabwe’s National Disability Expo 2026 in Masvingo (June 24–26) will feature an empowerment package for persons with disabilities, including residential stands, livestock, solar equipment and mining support tools. Regional Arts & Culture: Eswatini’s Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has appointed a commission of inquiry into the Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) amid governance concerns—an issue that could ripple into the wider education and cultural sector. Local Football Integrity: The Eswatini Football Association Referees Committee bans senior official Vusani Dlamini for two years over match manipulation allegations, following another recent ban. Comedy Night: TT Phasha’s one-man show “Live & Unleashed” returns to his hometown on July 4, with Eswatini and Lesotho comedians opening. Music Spotlight: Zee Nxumalo leads Basadi in Music Awards 2026 nominations with six nods, while the full nominee list is out. Grassroots Choral: Old Mutual Eswatini sponsors the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association with E50,000 to boost the 2026 choral season. Arts for Peace: Whetstone Primary pupil Khushi Ashley Moonilal wins the 2025/26 Lions Peace Poster competition and will represent South Africa internationally.

Music Awards Buzz: Zee Nxumalo leads the Basadi in Music Awards 2026 nominations with six nods, bouncing back after a tough Metro FM Music Awards run and earning attention for categories like Artist of the Year and Best Styled Artist. Local Arts & Culture: Eswatini’s Simunye Fest is back with a bigger, immersive plan—12 experience zones, fashion and lifestyle, creator hubs, and a family zone—running Oct 23–25 in Vuvulane. Grassroots Music: Old Mutual Eswatini backs the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association with E50,000, supporting the 2026 choral season from primary finals through Champs of Champs. Sports for Women & Youth: ICC Women’s Cricket Week returns with nearly 60 countries signed up, including Eswatini, with watch parties and women’s participation events. Community & Belonging: A free solidarity concert in Cape Town marked World Refugee Day with musicians from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini and more, pushing back against afrophobia. Health Watch: MSF urges Gilead to cut the price of lenacapavir, calling for wider access to a breakthrough HIV prevention medicine.

Arts & Entertainment Spotlight: Zee Nxumalo leads the Basadi in Music Awards 2026 nominations with six nods, bouncing back after a tough Metro FM Music Awards run and earning attention for categories like Artist of the Year and Best Styled Artist. Music Trend: Her hit “SASEZOLA” keeps climbing—topping Apple Music charts in Botswana, eSwatini and Namibia, and spreading fast via TikTok fan-made videos. Local Creative Growth: Old Mutual Eswatini backs grassroots choral music with a E50,000 sponsorship for the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association, supporting the 2026 season from primary finals to Champs of Champs. Culture & Performance: NACA 2026 appoints hip-hop artist Thamsanqa “KrTC” Sibandze as chair, with a shift from just celebrating talent to developing artists, plus more categories. Sports & Storytelling: Cape Verde’s World Cup rise—built on diaspora talent and resilience—has fans talking after a dramatic start that includes a draw with Uruguay and a famous opener vs Spain. Community Arts: Whetstone Primary pupil Khushi Ashley Moonilal wins the 2025/26 Lions Peace Poster competition, earning a chance to represent South Africa internationally. Infrastructure Watch: Cidadela Stadium in Luanda suffers a second-tier west stand collapse, raising fresh safety and conservation concerns.

Basadi Music Awards: TV presenter Kuhle Adams marks a decade in front of the camera with a nomination for TV Show Presenter of the Year, calling it “grounding” and excited to be listed alongside top women in the industry. Local Arts & Culture: National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) chairperson KrTC Sibandze says the 2026 awards shift from just celebrating artists to developing them, with categories rising to 55 under the theme “From Recognition to Development.” Grassroots Music: Old Mutual Eswatini backs the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association with a E50,000 sponsorship, supporting the 2026 choral season from primary finals through “Champs of Champs.” Sports & Community: ICC Women’s Cricket Week returns with nearly 60 countries signed up, including Eswatini, with watch parties and women’s participation events. Education Through Art: Whetstone Primary’s Khushi Ashley Moonilal wins the 2025/2026 Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Competition and earns the chance to represent South Africa internationally. Festival Buzz: Simunye Fest unveils 12 interconnected experience zones for its Oct 23–25 run in Vuvulane, aiming to blend music, fashion, culture and entrepreneurship.

Basadi Music Awards buzz: TV presenter Kuhle Adams marks a decade in front of the camera with a nomination for TV Show Presenter of the Year, sharing how the nod “grounds” her and puts her alongside respected women in the industry. Local arts leadership: Eswatini’s National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) gets a new chair, Thamsanqa “KrTC” Sibandze, as organisers shift the focus from trophies to artist development with more categories under the theme “From Recognition to Development.” Music & culture on the move: Old Mutual Eswatini backs grassroots choral music with a E50,000 sponsorship for the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association, supporting the 2026 season from primary finals through “Champs of Champs.” Cricket for women and girls: ICC Women’s Cricket Week returns with nearly 60 countries signed up, including Eswatini, with watch parties and women’s participation events running 21–28 June. Health spotlight: MSF urges Gilead to cut the price and expand access to lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention medicine, warning that unequal availability could repeat past harms. World Cup culture: Cape Verde’s historic World Cup run keeps trending after holding Spain 0-0, with the Blue Sharks now turning to Uruguay—an underdog story fans across the region are already riding.

Women’s Cricket Week: The ICC confirms the 21–28 June event is back with nearly 60 member countries signed up, including Eswatini, with local watch parties and women’s participation activities. Arts & Culture Awards: KrTC (Thamsanqa Sibandze) takes over as NACA chair, pushing a shift from just recognising talent to developing artists, with categories rising to 55 under the theme “From Recognition to Development.” Music & Community: Old Mutual Eswatini backs the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association with E50,000, supporting the 2026 choral season and grassroots choirs. Festival Buzz: Simunye Fest reveals 12 interconnected experience zones for its Oct 23–25 run in Vuvulane, blending music, fashion, family fun, tourism and creator hubs. Global Arts Spotlight: MSF urges Gilead to cut the price of lenacapavir, calling it a breakthrough HIV prevention tool that must be accessible. Sports Story: Cape Verde’s World Cup debut continues to make headlines after holding Spain 0-0, with Eswatini-linked qualifying history noted. Local Youth Art: Whetstone Primary’s Khushi Ashley Moonilal wins the 2025/26 Lions Peace Poster contest and will represent South Africa internationally.

Eswatini Arts & Culture: Old Mutual Eswatini backs grassroots choral music with a E50,000 sponsorship to the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association, supporting the 2026 choral season and upcoming finals. Music & Health: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) urges Gilead to cut the price and expand access to lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention medicine, warning that unequal availability could repeat past harm. Arts & Community: Simunye Fest reveals 12 interconnected experience zones for its Oct 23–25 festival in Vuvulane, promising a mix of music, fashion, family activities, creator hubs and cultural experiences. Local Governance: PM Russell Dlamini appoints a five-member commission of inquiry to investigate concerns at Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU), including alleged financial and operational misconduct. Sports Spotlight: Cape Verde’s World Cup debut continues to spark hype after a shock 0-0 draw with Spain; the Blue Sharks now face Uruguay, with Eswatini’s link noted through their qualifying win over the country. Youth Creativity: Whetstone Primary pupil Khushi Ashley Moonilal wins the national Lions Clubs Peace Poster contest and will represent South Africa internationally.

World Cup Wonder (Cape Verde): Cabo Verde’s debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already turning into a feel-good story, with the “Blue Sharks” holding Spain to a 0-0 draw and goalkeeper Vozinha exploding in popularity online. Local Arts & Youth (Eswatini): Old Mutual Eswatini backs the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association with a E50,000 sponsorship, boosting the 2026 choral season and upcoming finals. Music Awards (Basadi Music Awards 2026): Nominees are out, with Ayra Starr, Tyla, MaWhoo, Nkosazana Daughter and Zee Nxumalo leading the pack across major categories. Arts for Peace (Lions Poster Competition): Whetstone Primary pupil Khushi Ashley Moonilal wins the national Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Competition and will represent South Africa internationally. Culture & Festival (Simunye Fest): Simunye Fest announces 12 immersive experience zones for its Oct 23–25 run in Vuvulane, blending music, fashion, family activities and creator hubs. Health & Prevention (MSF on lenacapavir): MSF urges Gilead to cut the price and expand access to lenacapavir, a near-fully effective HIV prevention medicine. Governance & Institutions (EMCU inquiry): PM Russell Dlamini appoints a commission of inquiry into the Eswatini Christian Medical University over alleged financial and operational misconduct.

World Cup Spotlight: Cape Verde’s debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already turning into a feel-good story, with the “Blue Sharks” holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in Atlanta and goalkeeper Vozinha exploding in popularity online. Local Arts & Culture: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has appointed a five-member Commission of Inquiry to investigate the Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU), after months of concerns over its administration. Music Awards Buzz: The Basadi Music Awards 2026 has released its nominees, with big names like Ayra Starr, Tyla, MaWhoo, Nkosazana Daughter and Zee Nxumalo leading the pack across categories including Artist of the Year and Best Styled Artist. Youth Art for Peace: Whetstone Primary pupil Khushi Ashley Moonilal won the 2025/2026 Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Competition and will represent South Africa internationally, using the theme “Together as One” to push messages of unity and hope. Arts & Health Watch: The Ministry of Health is warning the public about the ashwagandha trend, saying claims about stress relief aren’t proven and could dull people’s ability to respond to danger. Choral Development: Old Mutual Eswatini pledged E50,000 to support the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association as the 2026 choral season ramps up. Sports Meets Fashion: Cape Verde’s World Cup crest is making its debut, designed by Quincy brand Islndz, bringing island identity onto the global stage.

Arts & Culture Funding: Old Mutual Eswatini pledged E50,000 to the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association, backing the 2026 choral season and upcoming Primary and Intermediate finals at UNESWA Sports Emporium, with Champs of Champs on Sunday. Festival Spotlight: Simunye Fest has unveiled a 12-zone immersive plan for its Oct 23–25 run in Vuvulane, blending music with fashion, entrepreneurship, family activities, tourism experiences and VIP/networking. Local Fashion on a Global Stage: MTN Bushfire communications manager Phiwo Dhlamini wore three curated outfits by Eswatini designers to spotlight local craftsmanship and reinforce her “Love Local” message. Music Legacy: South African jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim has died at 91, with tributes highlighting his anti-apartheid voice and classics like “Mannenberg.” Health Watch: Eswatini’s Ministry of Health warned against rising ashwagandha use for stress and anxiety, saying benefits aren’t proven and stress suppression can be risky. Sports & Identity: Cape Verde’s first World Cup appearance is making waves after qualifying by beating Eswatini, with fans and diaspora celebrating the “Blue Sharks” ahead of their Spain opener.

Arts & Education Spotlight: Old Mutual Eswatini pledged E50,000 to the Eswatini Schools Choral Music Association, backing grassroots choirs as the 2026 season runs through Primary finals, then Elementary/Intermediate on Saturday and Champs of Champs on Sunday at UNESWA Sports Emporium. Fashion on the Global Stage: MTN Bushfire’s Phiwo Dhlamini turned the festival into a runway for local talent, wearing three looks by Eswatini designers to spotlight homegrown craftsmanship under her “Love Local” push. Festival Tourism & Culture: Simunye Fest unveiled 12 immersive experience zones for its Oct 23–25 run in Vuvulane, aiming to blend music, fashion, entrepreneurship, family fun and tourism into one “We Are One” ecosystem. Health Watch (Wellness Trend): The Ministry of Health cautioned against rising ashwagandha use for stress and anxiety, warning that claims aren’t proven and that suppressing stress could affect how people respond to danger. Creative Sector Growth: NACA’s new chair, KrTC Sibandze, says the awards will shift from only celebrating artists to developing them, with categories rising to 55 under the theme “From Recognition to Development.” International Arts/Entertainment: MSF urged Gilead to cut the price of HIV prevention medicine lenacapavir, while tributes continued for South African jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim, whose legacy is being revisited through books and retrospectives.

MTN Bushfire 2026: eSwatini’s House On Fire festival is drawing big crowds, with organisers reporting 50,403 arrivals over the weekend (including 28,392 international visitors) and hotel occupancy hitting 73% in Mbabane, 80.5% in Ezulwini and 82.3% in Manzini—proof the arts-and-music pull is getting stronger. Local Arts Leadership: The National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) has a new chair, Thamsanqa “KrTC” Sibandze, as the awards shift from just recognising talent to developing it, with categories rising to 55 under the theme “From Recognition to Development.” Fashion on a Global Stage: MTN Bushfire communications manager Phiwo Dhlamini turned the festival runway into a showcase for Eswatini designers, styling three looks to spotlight local craftsmanship for international visitors. Health & Access (Arts-adjacent public impact): MSF is urging Gilead to cut the price of lenacapavir, warning that unequal access to new HIV prevention tools could repeat past harms. Music Legacy: South African jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim has died at 91, with tributes highlighting his anti-apartheid voice and enduring classics like “Mannenberg.” Sport & Identity: Cape Verde’s World Cup debut is making waves after qualifying by beating Eswatini—now the Blue Sharks face Spain in Atlanta, with fans celebrating a historic moment.

Sports & Culture Spotlight: Cape Verde’s historic World Cup debut keeps making headlines after their shock 0-0 draw with Spain, with fans in the diaspora celebrating the “Blue Sharks” journey and even a World Cup crest designed by Quincy brand debuting this week. Local Arts & Entertainment: Eswatini’s NACA is entering a new phase, with KrTC Sibandze appointed chair and a shift from just recognising talent to developing artists, plus more categories under the theme “From Recognition to Development.” Fashion & Creative Pride: MTN Bushfire’s communications manager Phiwo Dhlamini wore local designer looks across the festival, turning Eswatini fashion into a global runway. Music Legacy: South African jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim has died at 91, and tributes are paired with reading guides to understand his anti-apartheid legacy. Health Watch: Eswatini’s Ministry of Health warns against the ashwagandha trend, saying stress-suppressing claims aren’t proven and could be risky. Arts Beyond Borders: Simunye Fest in Lubombo (Oct 23–25) teases 12 immersive experience zones, blending culture, fashion, entrepreneurship and community.

Eswatini Health Watch: The Ministry of Health has warned people about the rising social-media “ashwagandha” trend for stress and anxiety, saying the calming effects people claim aren’t proven enough and could dull normal stress responses. Arts & Culture Spotlight: NACA’s new chairperson, hip-hop artist Thamsanqa “KrTC” Sibandze, says the National Arts and Culture Awards are shifting from just celebrating talent to developing artists, with categories expanding to 55 under the theme “From Recognition to Development.” Local Entertainment: Simunye Fest is set to return in Vuvulane (Oct 23–25) with 12 interconnected experience zones, blending music with fashion, lifestyle, family activities, tourism and creator hubs. Sports with a Creative Angle: Cape Verde’s World Cup debut keeps stealing the spotlight—after beating Eswatini in qualifiers, they stunned Spain 0-0 in their opener, and their crest designed by Quincy brand is set to make its debut. Community & Service: The Eswatini Housing Board launched a real-time customer feedback platform using NPS to improve service delivery.