Swaziland is led by a monarch, King Mswati III who is also polygamous with about 15 wives. Music and dance is an expression of Swati culture. There is a song for every situation. Cultural celebrations or events are done in cohesion as everyone is expected to take part.
Every year, young women dance for the Queen mother. It is at these events that the King used to choose his wives. Cattle are an integral part of Swati culture as people use them to pay the bride price, buy land, and pay for services.
It is the last absolute monarchy in Africa and the last traditional kingdom. Swaziland is the true definition of balance between traditional and modern ways of life. The Swazi people are very proud of their culture and are very welcoming. Every chance they get is a chance to show and share their unique culture and tradition with visitors.
The most popular traditional ceremony is the Umhlanga or Reed Dance where young women perform for the Queen mother in celebration of virtue and beauty. It is a beautiful event full of music, fun, dance, and color, a pride of the Swati people.
Another popular cultural event in Swaziland is Inxwala (conducted in December/January) where the King and strong young men take part in song and dance and conduct various rituals.
It is believed that the King does these rituals so he can provide for the prosperity of all his subjects. The Inxwala has been conducted over hundreds of years and is also a festival of first fruits. However, it is mostly about cleansing, renewal, and celebration of the Kingship.
The religious composition of Swaziland is as follows:
- 35% Protestant,
- 30% Zionist (indigenous),
- 25% Roman Catholic,
- 1% Islamic,
- 9% are other beliefs.
The ethnic composition of Swaziland (Eswatini) is:
- 97% Swati
- 3% European
Did you know?
- Swaziland is slightly larger than half of Belgium, or slightly smaller than New Jersey in the United States.
- Swaziland changed its name officially to Eswatini in 2018.
- It is the last absolute African monarchy
- Women do not eat offal,
- There were no prisons in Swaziland before 1968
- King Mswati was educated in Sherborne, England.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
