The following article appeared in the Swazi Observer on Wednesday, May 9th:
Into Music Society Spoilt for Choice
Swazi Observer
9 May 2018
By Ayanda Dlamini
INTO Music Society (IMS) has received a donation of musical equipment from Guitars For Swaziland (GFS), which is a nonprofit organisation in Austin, Texas.
The donation was done last week Thursday at the Swaziland Theater Club, Mbabane.
Equipment donated included a mixer desk; electric, bass and acoustic guitars, a keyboard, two speakers with two speaker stands and DI boxes.
The equipment was sent to the kingdom by GFS founder Stephen Doster who however could not be physically present for the presentation.
Worth noting, Stephen Doster and Nelisa Lawton were introduced to each other by former US Ambassador, Makila James after she had met Stephen during his visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini to perform at the Bushfire Festival years back.
Nelisa Lawton who is the Director of IMS said they were very excited and grateful for the gift because it would go a long way towards their ongoing efforts of providing music classes for the students that they are currently working with.
“The equipment will also enable the students to have small performances where they can put their new found skills to good use,” said the excited director.
Ndumiso Dlamini, Prosper Mpofu, Mpheni Thwala , Nelisa Lawton graced the event along with students Ketso Shabangu and Nkhosiyabongwa Dlamini.
Delight
Speaking to one of the students who will have the privilege to use the donated equipment Nkhosiyabongwa Dlamini, she expressed delight that she would get an opportunity to learn to play her favourite instrument, the bass guitar.
“At the moment we are being taught music theory, with the music director insisting we cannot even touch the instruments without reaching a certain level in the theory lessons.
“I simply cannot wait for that day,” she said.