MBABANE:Stanley Dlamini,the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Eswatini National Association of Arts and Culture(ESNAAC) has allegedly threatened to ban all gospel artists performing in political gatherings organized by Mduduzi Magawugawu Simelane, the leader of the Swaziland Liberation Movement(SWALIMO) accusing them of supporting terrorism.
Reached for comments by this Swaziland News, gospel artist Vusi Shiba, the leader of Shiba and Travelers Gospel Group confirmed that, there was some tension after they travelled to perform at kaMhlushwa-South Africa in an event organized by Magawugawu.
“There was some tension and we were threatened even though it wasn’t direct. Bebangasicondzi ngco! bewuva sewushayelwa nje kutsi sekunenkinga kukhulunywe indirect kutsi siyeleni sina-Shongwe”, said the gospel artist.
It has been disclosed that, the gospel artists were threatened that, they might not be considered for performance during the Trade Fair Gospel Show if they associate themselves with Magawugawu or other political activities including events organized by Siphofaneni Member of Parliament(MP) Nomalungelo ‘LaZwide’ Simelane.
Recently, armed police officers stopped an event organized by MP LaZwide, artists were not allowed to perform.
Efforts to reach Magawugawu and MP LaZwide proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.
But Stantley Dlamini, the Arts and Culture CEO denied these allegations, saying he does not have powers to ban anyone.
“l dont even have a festival of any form and I don’t have banning powers”, he said when responding to this Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini on Thursday.
Reverend Elias Shongwe of Shongwe and Khuphuka Saved Group said, nothing formally communicated to him in this regard.
Government banned the State owned radio from playing Magawugawu’s songs and this, was after he involved himself in politics, calling for an elected Prime Minister.
Vusi Shiba of Shiba and Travelers Gospel Group(pic:internet).