Music

MBABANE – The third edition of the Africa Youth Orchestra Festival (AYOF) has been declared a huge success.

It offered what experts described as ‘informative’ and ‘life-changing’ cultural education to over 55 teachers and 250 students.

The event, which took place from October 9 to 11 at TLC Events Centre, The Luke Commission, following the official introduction of music into the primary school curriculum in Eswatini.

Dr Hee Jung Kim, the Director and Founder of the Africa Ntjilo Empowerment, praised the festival’s impact. “This year marked a significant milestone as music was officially introduced as part of the primary school curriculum in Eswatini.

Through both the training and the live orchestra concert experience, teachers and students gained not only foundational musical knowledge but also meaningful, experiential learning,” she said.

The Ministry of Education and Training dispatched 32 teachers from four regional education offices to participate in the AYOF Music Education Programme.

They were joined voluntarily by teachers from schools such as Nazarene High School, Sisekelo High School, St Mary’s High School, Vulamasango and Sidvokodvo Railway Primary School, bringing the total attendance to over 300 participants.

Participants were introduced to the full orchestral family strings, brass, wind, percussion and keyboard instruments and were given the rare opportunity to touch and play them. Practical, classroom-friendly instruments such as the recorder, ocarina, tin whistle and melodion were also presented as teaching tools.

Dr Kim recounted an unforgettable moment from the grand finale: “One of the most unforgettable moments came during the grand finale Handel’s “Hallelujah.’

The Mbabane Chamber Orchestra, Johannesburg Korean Youth Ensemble, The Morris Isaacson Centre for Music Orchestra from Soweto and the Vulamasango School Choir united in one majestic performance.

The hall was filled with awe as the audience rose to their feet, moved by the power of music that transcended borders and languages.”

The first day in Eswatini featured world-class performances by the AYOF Faculty members, followed by vibrant outdoor ‘busking-style’performances that brought music directly to the people.

Full article available in our publication.

A masterclass attended by some of the Eswatini Choral music conductors, including schools conductors and large choirs. (Pics: Courtesy)

Dr Hee Jung Kim, the Director and Founder of Africa Ntjilo, the host of the third edition of the Africa Ntjilo Festival 2025 in action.

Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe making her remarks during the event.