Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Engages Edd Branson Publishers for Persons With Disability Music Festival
The Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister’s Office has engaged Edd Branson Publishers to participate in the inaugural Music and Arts Festival for Persons with Disabilities, scheduled for September 27 in Sidvokodvo, Eswatini.
Organised in partnership with the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture, the festival will run under the theme “Inclusive Expression, Economic Empowerment”. It seeks to bridge the gap between Zimbabwean artists and their regional counterparts while celebrating the creative talents of persons with disabilities.
The event will feature diverse artistic expressions from live music, poetry, and drama to fashion and fine arts exhibitions, all led by creatives with disabilities.
According to the official invitation: “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 festival aims to raise awareness about disability inclusion in the creative sector, shift mindsets, and foster public dialogue about the barriers faced by creators with disabilities. It also encourages inclusive practices in mainstream arts and culture spaces, inviting allies, institutions, and audiences to be part of the change.”
Kuzivakwashe Mtandiro, manager of Edd Branson Publishers, confirmed their participation, expressing pride in being part of the historic initiative. “We are honored 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 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 also 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 further revealed that the collaboration would also involve regional integration.
“We will include artists from Zambia, Tanzania, and South Africa. Our goal is to export these artists from Eswatini and help them penetrate other markets.”
The Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister’s partnership with Edd Branson Publishers highlights the growing role of inclusive cultural exchange in fostering both empowerment and cross-border collaboration in the arts.
