The European Union (EU) takes pride in supporting the youth of Eswatini, particularly in the creative industry. This is because in Europe and in Eswatini alike, performance arts and cultural industries play a crucial role in human development and social cohesion and inclusion.

EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova, said this on 26 February 2024 at the EU Delegation offices in Mbabane during the presentation of certificates to 25 young emaSwati musicians, podcasters, producers and singers who were trained at Vukubone Sound Lab, an EU-funded project under the Sound Connects Fund regional programme.

The Sound Connects Fund (SCF) is a multifaceted initiative born from the EU-Africa strategic partnership that aims to accelerate development and increase the capacity of the cultural and creative sectors in southern Africa. It is made possible with funding from the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) – European Union Culture Programme, a programme implemented by the Secretariat of the ACP group of states and funded by the EU.

In her speech during this event in which the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, also attended to present the certificates to the graduates, the Ambassador said the support to the young artists was in line with the EU’s seven-year cooperation programme in Eswatini, which focuses on youth.

“Youth are the drivers of social and technological innovation and progress, source of new ideas and inspiration and of unbridled creativity. That is why the EU wishes to help empower the youth of Eswatini with skills for quality jobs, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.

“As music knows no boundaries, we hope that this sound lab will become a springboard for young emaSwati creatives, help them reach out to the world and fulfil their potential,” said the Ambassador.

In response, the Minister thanked the EU for its support and hoped it will continue in order to benefit the young people of Eswatini.

During the same occasion, the Ambassador also handed over the sound lab equipment to the Minister following the conclusion of the Vukubone Sound Lab project implemented by Antidote Culture Foundation in partnership with the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture.