Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
THE inaugural Music and Arts Festival for Persons with Disabilities set for Sidvokodvo, Eswatini, aims to bridge the gap between Zimbabwean artists and their counterparts in the region.
An invitation has been extended to Edd Branson Publishers.
The event is scheduled for September 27. The festival is being held by the Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture.
It is running under the theme: “Inclusive Expression, Economic Empowerment.”
It is a ground-breaking initiative dedicated to celebrating the creative talents of individuals living with disabilities in Eswatini.
It will feature diverse artistic expressions, including live music performances, poetry, fashion, drama, and fine arts exhibitions, all led by creatives with disabilities.
“It is about creating a platform where artists with disabilities can express their creativity and be recognised not (because) of their disabilities, but because of the richness their perspectives bring to the arts — be it music, dance, visual art, or performance,” the invitation letter reads.
“The festival aims to raise awareness about disability inclusion in the creative sector, seeking to shift mindsets and foster public dialogue about the barriers faced by creators with disabilities.
“It encourages the integration of inclusive practices into mainstream arts and culture spaces, inviting allies, institutions, and audiences to be part of that change.”
Kuzivakwashe Mtandiro, the manager of Edd Branson Publishers, said they were proud to be associated with the event.
“We are honoured to participate in the inaugural Disability Arts Festival hosted by the Office of Thulisile Dladla, the Deputy Prime Minister of Eswatini.
“We have donated cash prizes to be awarded as tokens to the participants.
“A free book titled The Business of Art and Craft will be provided to every participant, with arrangements for Braille copies for the visually impaired and audio versions as well.
“We will cover the costs of a recording studio session for five music artists and facilitate collaborations with artists from Zimbabwe, such as Tererai Mugwadi, as we strengthen people-to-people relations.”
Mtandiro added:
“We will also include artists from Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa.
“Our goal is to export these artists from Eswatini and help them penetrate other markets.”
