Rooted & Rising: Grounded in Culture, Uplifting the Arts

This October, Eswatini’s creative and cultural community will gather for the Rooted & Rising Workshop, presented by Kingdom XLR in partnership with the U.S. Embassy – Eswatini. Taking place on Thursday, 9 October 2025, at the American Corner (Mbabane Library), the workshop runs from 11 AM to 2 PM and is themed “Grounded in Culture, Uplifting the Arts.”

Designed as more than just a conversation, the event is set to explore the practical impact and economic potential of Eswatini culture. Through dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration, Rooted & Rising aims to empower emaSwati to embrace cultural identity as both a source of pride and a stepping stone for economic growth.

“This isn’t just about hosting an event. It’s about creating a safe, structured, and consistent platform for dialogue where culture and economy can merge,”

Mzwandile “Lution” Nxumalo is no stranger to the intersection of culture, business, and youth empowerment. As the Founder of Kingdom XLR and Chairperson of the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industries (Mbabane Chapter), he has consistently positioned himself as a bridge between creativity and economic opportunity. His latest role as co-curator of the Rooted & Rising Workshop, presented by Kingdom XLR and the U.S. Embassy-Eswatini, reflects his commitment to ensuring that culture not only grounds emaSwati but also opens doors to tangible livelihoods.

His perspective has been shaped by his participation in the U.S. International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Economic Development Through the Arts, where he learned how cultural heritage, when supported by policy and partnerships, can grow into thriving industries. That knowledge, combined with partnerships from the Babukisi Foundation and Platinum Concepts, anchors the workshop in both cultural authenticity and economic strategy.

The workshop’s theme speaks directly to Eswatini’s dual challenge and opportunity honouring traditions while reimagining them for modern relevance. Lution believes that Eswatini’s traditions which are songs, dances, stories, and rituals have kept communities grounded for centuries. But now, they must also rise in new forms through digital platforms, cultural tourism, and entrepreneurship.

“It’s about proudly standing rooted in who we are while seizing opportunities in a modern, competitive economy,” he notes.

At the heart of his message is identity. Lution believes it is the foundation of originality in the creative sector. Without it, art risks becoming generic; with it, emaSwati can create work that resonates globally while remaining deeply authentic. He points to beadwork, oral storytelling, and Swati philosophy as cultural treasures that can transform into fashion, film, and music collaborations with international appeal. “Without identity, we are copycats. With identity, we are leaders of originality,” he says.

As the workshop focuses on Identity, Practical Impact, and the Economic Potential of Eswatini Culture. For ordinary emaSwati, this translates into viewing culture not just as heritage but as business. Unlocking their value requires investment and collaboration. He advocates for cultural tourism, creative entrepreneurship, and supportive policies, citing examples of how traditional musicians, artisans, or dancers can expand into global markets through recording studios, digital platforms, and festivals.

This perspective aligns with the mission of the Babukisi Foundation, whose founder Thobejane Magagula will be the guest speaker. Known for preserving heritage while empowering youth, the Foundation brings a message of cultural pride, responsibility, and resilience. “Culture is wealth and young people must inherit it both spiritually and economically,” Lution notes.

Lution stresses that no creative can scale alone. Partnerships, local and international are essential. Artisans working with tourism operators, musicians collaborating with digital platforms, and institutions like embassies and universities offering knowledge and markets all form part of a sustainable creative economy. Rooted & Rising, he believes, is exactly the type of platform where these networks can take shape.

“I’ve seen how creative clusters, artists, business incubators, government, and academia collaborate to sustain industries. Eswatini must adopt the same approach,” he says.