REED DANCE ENDS ON HIGH NOTE

The King doing kudlalisela in front of Inkhosatane Princess Sikhanyiso and other members of the royal family.

NHLANGANO – The two-day long Shiselweni region annual Reed Dance ceremony ended on a high note yesterday.

Maidens from all corners of the country, and those from South Africa, showcased their dancing skills in front of Their Majesties and thousands of Swazis at the Mbangweni Royal Residence.

Activities started on Saturday with the cutting of the reed before being delivered at the royal residence.
Even though it was raining and cold, the thousands of maidens kept themselves warm by singing and dancing.
Yesterday, the sky was clear and the temperature was warm until late in the afternoon. However, most members of Imbali had dispersed when the weather changed.

Businesspeople had set up makeshift stalls near the entrance of the royal residence.
Some of the items that were on sale included food, clothes, traditional attires and cosmetics.
Photographers were also kept busy by the maidens who wanted to share the memorable day with friends and their loved ones.
At about 1:20pm, the Imbali marched into the royal residence where they were joined, first by Indvuna Nduduzo Zibuko, and later by Inkhosatane Princess Sikhanyiso and members of the royal family.

Danced

His Majesty King Mswati III came to meet the Imbali which sang and danced while marching to the main arena. At about 2:15pm, Princess Sikhanyiso led the maidens into the arena and waited for the arrival of the King.
His Majesty the king, who walked in from the royal residence, was welcomed by deafening screams of ‘bayethe’ from the crowd. Praise singers praised at the top of their voices,, all wanting to be heard.

Immediately after the King took his seat, the regiment, led by Inkhosatana Sikhanyiso sang and danced pass him.
His Majesty would occasionally flash a smile at the Imbali which displayed top notch dancing skills.
The King was later joined by Her Majesty the Indlovukazi.

After all the girls had danced past Their Majesties, it was more dancing.
In appreciation, His Majesty, who was accompanied by regiments, joined the maidens in the arena to do what is culturally known as ‘kudlalisela’.
Not to be outdone, visiting maidens from South Africa showcased their dancing skills. But soon after dancing, they were excused because of the long journey back home.

They were followed by Indvuna Nonduduzo who performed kugiya, and she was a marvel to watch.
When the Programme Director, Tsembani Magongo, announced that Inkhosatane Princess Sikhanyiso would be performing, some maidens rushed to the front to get a clear view.

She performed to recorded music. The first song was titled ‘Wamemeza Okandaba’ and the other was ‘Tinkhomo Temgobo’.
Her dancing skills left some people yearning for more.
At about 5:15pm, Indvuna yeMbali Nduduzo made some announcements which signified the end of the Reed Dance.

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