Times Of Swaziland: ARTISTS SHINE AT STRATEGIC ROADMAP LAUNCH ARTISTS SHINE AT STRATEGIC ROADMAP LAUNCH ================================================================================ BY DUDU DUBE on 14/05/2019 22:04:00 EZULWINI - If you still doubted local musicians, then you should have been at the Eswatini Strategic Roadmap launch on Monday. This is because artists of various genres left government leaders and stakeholders yearning for more after rendering top class performances. During the launch, the MC, Secretary to Cabinet Mbuso Dlamini would now and again call up different artists to entertain the guests. It was opera group TOTI Tenors which had the guests clapping after performing two songs where they displayed their vocal prowess in a magnificent way. Interestingly, the first song that the four-member group performed was one titled ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ which was timely following last weekend’s dramatic end of the English Premier League. The song is known as a trademark for giants Liverpool FC who, despite putting up a gallant fight in the 38 league games played, lost the title to Manchester City on Sunday. As the four members displayed their singing skills, guests who were seemingly well-versed with what had happened the previous day in the soccer fraternity were seen clapping while others just smiled in awe. It was not a surprise therefore that after its performance, the MC took the microphone and made an announcement which was a message from Minister of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT), Princess Sikhanyiso. Being one person who has for years been actively involved in arts as a musician herself, the princess seemed to have been touched by the performance which is why she had a special message for the group. The MC first stated that he was going to break protocol as he had a special announcement to make. Announced He then announced that the ICT minister had sent him to convey a message that the opera group should leave their contact details with her team as she had a special gift for them. In jest, the MC stated that the minister wanted to offer the group a trip to Los Angeles and this was welcomed by a round of applause. Not to be outdone, Poet Blacknote, who is a teacher by profession and currently teaches drama at Waterford KaMhlaba, was also in a class of her own as she recited a poem which rhymed well with the agenda of the day. Another artist who impressed the guests was afro soul star Eunice-Harris who also did a collaboration with gospel star Banele Dlamini and they performed a song titled ‘I do’ which was made popular by South African award winning artist Amanda Black. Because of the wonderful performances, no one could blame Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Harris Madze Bulunga who was smiling from ear to ear as some of the speakers kept commending the artists.