BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – After this weekend’s rains that forced some events to be postponed, it’s quite imperative that we insure events from natural disasters like rain.
The debut Musik Festivista, which was scheduled for Sunday at Ka-Langa Stadium in Siteki, was forced to postpone the event because of the heavy rains that were experienced in the country, which forced the patrons who had come out to enjoy themselves to leave without seeing their favourite artists perform.
According to Google, Catastrophe Insurance protects businesses and residences against natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and man-made disasters such as riots or terrorist attacks.
South African artists Sir Trill, Sha Sha, and Blaq Diamond were expected to headline the first edition of Musik Festivista on Christmas Eve.
Eswatini Events Managers and Promoters Association (EEMPS) General Secretary Banele Dlamini shared with this publication that it is time they insure events to safeguard against natural disasters. He said, “So far in our country, we don’t insure our events for natural disasters. We had actually planned to add training for event managers that will take place next year,” shared Dlamini.
He went on to say that they were planning to host a workshop in January. He said, “We have planned for a training soon that will be held over two days at the end of January next year, where all managers will be equipped with more knowledge.”
When asked if they had decided on a new date yet for the next Musik Festivita, the general secretary shared with this publication that they were yet to pick a date as most people are still on holidays. He further said that after they meet, only then will they have a way forward.
It’s worth mentioning that most of the South African artists landed at the King Mswati III International Airport around 7 p.m. on Sunday. These include Sha Sha, Lemon Herb, and DJ PH. Sir Trill had earlier sent a confirmation video assuring his fans that he was going to be in the country for the show, but unfortunately, because of the rains, the show had to be postponed.
Eswatini Events Managers & Promoters Association team: Chairperson Itallo Dlamini, General Secretary Banele Dlamini, Treasurer Ngcebo Naniwe Mabuza, Members Mongie Mabuza and Mbhekezeli Dlamini.
The organisers on their Facebook page shared a statement that read, “We were set and ready for you, but the weather had other ideas, and we had to cancel this event due to the poor weather conditions.” We profusely apologise for the inconvenience and losses suffered. Please note that the event will be rescheduled and dates will be announced soon. You are advised to keep your tickets and wristbands safe, as they will be used as credit for the next event. Read the statement.
The festival was founded by Ncamiso Mavuso to spur economic and musical revitalization in the country’s most neglected areas. It seeks to stimulate a Native-Led Advocacy Campaign to promote Musik Equity and create economic opportunity for upcoming artists and local communities in Eswatini. In partnership with the arts industry, the ‘Musik Festivista’ will take place every year for the next five years,” shared Dlamini. The line-up included Sir Trill (SA), Sha Sha (ZIM), Blaq Diamond (SA), DJ PH (SA), Lemon & Herb (SA), The Bishops (SZL), MBO (SZL), Zulu D (SZL), AyaCity (SZL), Lubonjeni DJs, Njebza, Immortal 7, Sweet De Shandis, Que 3, Mabee, Mastermind, and Bandora Da DJ.
