The Pioneer & Rising Stars of Eswatini Entertainment: Part 3 – Nokwanda ‘Miss N’ Sibandze

Miss N On Bringing Local Artists Visions To Life

Having worked with artists such as Llucid, Supa CDQ, Msimisi, and many others on their projects as well as advising artists like Nomalungelo and DJ Bloss, Nokwanda ‘Miss N’ Sibandze the founder of Culture Connect has played a huge role in promoting and managing the brands of local artists. She chats to us about memorable projects she has worked on and her concerns for the local arts industry.

Miss N, has served the local entertainment industry for over a decade wearing many hats, including public relations manager, creative director, storyteller, and content creator. She specializes in bringing local artists’ visions to life by using various media platforms to connect them to a wider audience.

“One of the reasons why I created Culture Connect, a platform designed to help creatives connect with the right people, platforms, and communities is because I strive to create connections, evoke emotions through writing, and deliver impactful narratives with my selected audiences. My skills in creative direction and storytelling allow me to approach every project with depth and versatility and this versatility is what makes me unique”,” she explains.

Among her most memorable projects are the Kasi Tour and Eswatini Creative Awards, which provided young creatives with valuable opportunities to showcase their talents. “Seeing young people embrace the creative industry was incredibly heartwarming for me. The collaborative energy, the challenges we overcame, and the shared vision made these projects truly transformative,” she recalls.

Miss N went on to say that over the last decade, she has seen a shift in how artistry is perceived in Eswatini. “When I first entered the industry, many people pursued the arts as a hobby. Now, there’s a greater understanding of its financial potential, and artists are more professional in their approach. They recognize that they deserve fair compensation, the arts industry still faces many hurdles however the arts industry in Eswatini is incredibly competitive, with many talented artists who could thrive on the global stage.

But to truly unlock this potential, we need more recognition and support from both the government and the private sector in terms of sponsorships,” she notes.

“Event organizers in the country often struggle to secure financial backing, as most events are self-funded, with limited corporate or government sponsorship. This funding gap has a domino effect, making it difficult for artists to receive fair payment”.

Miss N highlighted the fact that there is constant tension between artists demanding fair pay, which they rightfully deserve, and event organizers who cannot meet those demands due to budget constraints. She says this is caused by the fact that managers’ compensation is often tied to the limited earnings of the artists they represent also receive limited compensation.

Despite the lack of funding, Miss N is optimistic about the future of the arts in Eswatini. “Eswatini is on the right path. We host world-class events, and if the government starts recognizing the economic potential of the arts, we can truly make an impact internationally,” she says.

She further emphasized that, in other countries, the arts receive substantial funding and are prioritized, and she believes Eswatini can follow a similar path with the right support.

Miss N reveals that the most rewarding part of her work is helping artists bring their visions to life. “Artists are deeply invested in their work, and being part of their journey is a privilege. I’ve helped plan the careers of many artists, and I often find it hard to say no when I see their potential,” she explains.

Through her work with SwaziBoy Entertainment as a Spokesperson, she has supported a variety of artists, from emerging talent to established name. “I see the arts as a vital part of Eswatini’s culture and economy and that is why through my various roles in the arts industry I remain dedicated to advocating for a professional and sustainable arts industry that will thrive on both the local and international stage,” she concludes.

---