African Hidden Voices hosted the 9th Annual Memorial Lecture at the Century City Conference Centre in Emangalisweni on December 7, 2024. This year, Ingonyama yamaHlubi, Ikumkani Ndlovuyezwe Ndamase, the AmaZulu, Eswatini and Bapedi Royal Houses honoured the lecture with distinguished guests from Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The Universal Peace Federation delegation led by Reverend Bakary Camara, TRSH Upper House and Council members and Amasosha The Blue Nation graced the event.
With the theme, The Power of Unity Among Africans, Keynote speaker, Imboni Dr uZwi-Lezwe emphasized that African indigenous spirituality is the solution to unifying Africans and that a connection with one’s identity is what will bring Africans together.
The day’s panelists included Dr. Susan Tatah, who traveled all the way from Germany and spoke of the significance of knowing your identity, Dr. Zwelakhe Mthethwa, who upheld the right of African Kings to land, and advocate Sikhakhane, who spoke deeply about the despiritualization of the African person and, most importantly, how this continent can reaffirm its power.
Performances by Abaphilisi Bomoya and Imithente, award-winning artists Stevovoh SA and Skroof Ace performed their newly released singles, joined by the Izintuthwane songstress Nonka drew the crowds into an essence of an African yet modern blend of music.
Leading figures were recognized and honored for their accomplishments of black excellence in their respective fields as part of a platform intended to discuss the hardships faced by Africans in the continent and in the diaspora.