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Royal Background
Inkhosatana HRH Princess Sikhanyiso Dlamini (LaMbikiza) 1st September 1987
Her Royal Highness Princess Sikhanyiso is the firstborn child of His Majesty King Mswati III of Swaziland, born on 1 September 1987 at the Mbabane Clinic, Swaziland. Princess Sikhanyiso has been called the Aimee Semple McPherson of Swaziland. Swaziland (in Southern Africa) is the executive monarchy in Africa. The other two monarchies are nearby Lesotho and Morroco in the North.
Though His Majesty has 23 children in total, Her Royal Highness Inkhosikati (Queen Sibonelo) LaMbikiza, mother of HRH Princess Sikhanyiso only has two children; she and His Royal Highness Prince Lindaninkosi Dlamini. The princess has over 200 aunts and uncles, not including their own spouses as the late His Majesty King Sobhuza II of Swaziland had 102 wives and over 400 children. His Majesty King Mswati III of Swaziland has 12 wives, of which HRH Queen LaMbikiza is the first.
Biography
The majority of the Swazi people are Christian, but the princess has a peculiar relation to the Lord Jesus Christ. Her grandfather, His Majesty King Sobhuza II of Swaziland was regarded a prophet. The princess is very religious and takes pride in her christianity.
After acquiring A-Level's from a private college in Hertfordshire called St Edmund's College, Ware, the princess moved to study Speech and Drama in Biola University, Los Angeles, California.[1] She juggles school with acting and modelling coaching from Laimarie Serrano and is strongly motivated to put Swaziland on the map for more than what the media make of it[2].
Umhlanga (The Reed Dance)
Swaziland has a culture that celebrates the purity of a young Swazi girl (maiden) called Umhlanga (the reed dance). On the last week of August to the first week of September, girls from across the Southern African (SADC) region assemble at Ludzidzini Royal Residence under the leadership of the nation's Inkhosatana (or chief maiden) who is always the King's firstborn daughter; inevitably, H.R.H. Princess Sikhanyiso. The Inkhosatana summons the Indvuna (subordinate chief) to register the maidens for security and health reasons upon arrival.[3]
Decades ago, the number of maidens was less than 30, yet in 2008, there was an astounding 160,000 and the maidens are known to mob Princess Sikhanyiso when she so much as offers to shake the hand of one. Recently, the culture has gained popularity as a bridal showcase for men or even by strangers to the African nation. So contradictory, that the Umcwasho; which is a set period of complete abstinence from men and relationships that if broken leads to personal fines, is viewed from the outside world as oppressive, while the Swazi people themselves mourned its termination. Although popular in Swaziland, this sex ban has led to a dramatic increase in the level of HIV and AIDS, teenage pregnancy, and even declining family relations at home. Forty per cent of the Swazi population is infected by HIV.
Princess Sikhanyiso A Rebel ?
Princess Sikhanyiso has been hailed in the press as a rebel, according to Forbes and E! Entertainment.
As a rapper, Princess Sikhanyiso goes by the stage name Pashu coming from her middle name Siphashapasha, which in SiSwati means 'a stunning woman'. The princess expresses herself more in music as a hobby along with her interest in photography and helping her poor country through volunteer work.
Although a small country, through aid projects and a more democratic government, the Swazi people could be cared for properly. The polygamous relations of the king, combined with public outrage of lack of public programs and funds continues to keep the poor Swazi people disadvantaged. The princess exprssed disappointment for her country's people in the documentary "Without The King" by American film maker Michael Skolnik.
Princess Sikhanyiso is a beautiful young woman who is too easily swayed by what the kingdom wants (the absolute control of a supressive monarchy) and relents when she has a good heart and could make a difference in the Swazi people's lives by speaking the truth and living abroad so she doesn't fear the reaction of her family at home.
