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Muna Tengi
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Top 10 Musicians In Eswatini: The Vibrant Sounds Of The Swazi Kingdom
Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, may be a small landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa, but it boasts a vibrant and eclectic music scene that reflects its rich cultural heritage. With influences ranging from traditional Swazi music to modern genres like Afro-pop, jazz, hip-hop, and gospel, Eswatini's musicians have carved out a unique niche in the African music landscape. In this blog post, we celebrate the top 10 musicians from Eswatini who have significantly shaped the country's musical identity and have contributed to its growing recognition on the international stage.
1. Sands
Sands, whose real name is Sandziso Matsebula, is one of Eswatini’s most popular and influential musicians. Known for his unique fusion of Afro-soul and traditional Swazi music, Sands has captured the hearts of many with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. His breakthrough single, “Tigi”, became a massive hit not only in Eswatini but also across Southern Africa, earning him multiple awards and recognition. Sands' music often explores themes of love, identity, and social issues, resonating with a wide audience. His ability to blend modern sounds with traditional Swazi elements makes him a standout artist and a cultural ambassador for Eswatini.
2. Bholoja
Bholoja, born Mbongiseni Ngubane, is a celebrated singer-songwriter known for his unique sound that blends jazz, blues, and traditional Swazi music. His soulful voice and poetic lyrics have made him a favorite both in Eswatini and abroad. Bholoja’s music is deeply rooted in Swazi culture, often addressing social issues, storytelling, and the preservation of traditional values. His debut album, “Swazi Soul”, received critical acclaim, and songs like “Zero to Hero” and “Intfombi Lenhle” showcase his musical versatility and deep connection to his heritage. Bholoja’s commitment to cultural preservation through music has earned him recognition as one of Eswatini’s most important cultural icons.
3. Nomzamo “Zamo” Dlamini
Nomzamo Dlamini, popularly known as Zamo, is a powerhouse in the Swazi gospel music scene. With her powerful voice and uplifting songs, Zamo has inspired many with her messages of hope, faith, and resilience. Her music often combines contemporary gospel with traditional Swazi rhythms, creating a sound that is both spiritual and culturally rich. Albums like “Angingedwa” and “Kuyobanjani” have cemented her place as one of the leading figures in Eswatini’s gospel music industry. Zamo’s ability to connect with her audience through her heartfelt performances has made her a beloved figure in Eswatini.
4. Nomalungelo Dladla
Nomalungelo Dladla, known simply as Nomalungelo, is a rising star in the Eswatini music scene, known for her captivating voice and versatile musical style. Her music blends Afro-pop, soul, and R&B, appealing to a broad audience both in Eswatini and beyond. Nomalungelo’s hit single, “Imiyalo”, showcased her vocal talent and lyrical prowess, earning her widespread recognition. Her songs often explore themes of love, empowerment, and personal growth, resonating with listeners on a deep level. Nomalungelo’s ability to fuse different genres while maintaining a distinct Swazi flavor makes her one of the most promising talents in Eswatini.
5. Masikane
Masikane is a traditional music artist and master of the umakweyane, a traditional Swazi musical instrument similar to a bow. His music is a celebration of Swazi culture and heritage, often incorporating traditional rhythms and storytelling. Masikane’s dedication to preserving traditional Swazi music has made him a respected figure in the Eswatini music scene. His performances are a journey into the past, providing a glimpse into the rich musical traditions of the Swazi people. Masikane’s work not only entertains but also educates, playing a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of Swazi culture.
6. Velemseni Ndzimandze
Velemseni Ndzimandze, known simply as Velemseni, is a talented singer-songwriter whose music blends jazz, soul, and Afro-pop influences. Her soulful voice and introspective lyrics have made her a standout artist in Eswatini. Velemseni’s debut album, “We Are People”, received critical acclaim, showcasing her ability to craft songs that are both personal and universal. Tracks like “Velemseni” and “As It Is” highlight her musical versatility and deep connection to her roots. Velemseni’s music often explores themes of identity, love, and self-discovery, resonating with listeners across different backgrounds.
7. Qibho Intalektual
Qibho Intalektual is a renowned hip-hop artist and spoken word poet in Eswatini. Known for his sharp lyrics and thought-provoking content, Qibho’s music often addresses social and political issues, providing a voice for the youth of Eswatini. His ability to blend hip-hop with traditional Swazi rhythms and storytelling makes his music both engaging and culturally relevant. Songs like “Dear Eswatini” and “Live Your Life” showcase his lyrical talent and commitment to social change. Qibho’s work as a musician and activist has made him a significant figure in the Eswatini music scene, inspiring a new generation of artists.
8. Floewe
Floewe, born Fikile Dlamini, is a rising star in the Eswatini music industry, known for her unique blend of Afro-pop and soul. Her smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics have earned her a growing fan base. Floewe’s music often explores themes of love, empowerment, and resilience, resonating with listeners both in Eswatini and beyond. Her debut single, “Batsi Ndoshaya”, received positive reviews, showcasing her potential as a leading artist in Eswatini. Floewe’s ability to connect with her audience through her music makes her a promising talent to watch.
9. KRTC (KrTC of Hip Hop)
KrTC of Hip Hop, whose real name is Thamsanqa Sibandze, is a prominent figure in Eswatini’s hip-hop scene. Known for his lyrical prowess and energetic performances, KrTC has made a significant impact on the music landscape in Eswatini. His music often addresses themes of social justice, identity, and empowerment, resonating with a wide audience. Tracks like “Umuntfu” and “Lies” showcase his ability to tackle complex issues through his music. KrTC’s dedication to his craft and his role as a cultural ambassador have made him a respected figure in Eswatini’s music industry.
10. Tendaness
Tendaness, born Tatenda Mandaza, is a talented DJ, producer, and musician who has made waves in Eswatini’s music scene. Known for his eclectic mix of house, Afrobeat, and electronic music, Tendaness has gained recognition for his innovative sound and production skills. His hit single, “Jika”, featuring Bholoja and LO, became a massive hit, earning him accolades and expanding his reach beyond Eswatini. Tendaness’s ability to blend different musical styles while creating a sound that is uniquely his own makes him one of the most influential figures in Eswatini’s music industry.
Conclusion
Eswatini's music scene is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and the dynamic creativity of its people. The top 10 musicians highlighted in this blog post represent a broad spectrum of styles and genres, each contributing to the unique soundscape of Eswatini’s music. From the soulful melodies of Sands and Bholoja to the thought-provoking lyrics of Qibho Intalektual and KrTC, these artists have shaped the past, present, and future of Eswatini's music. Their contributions have not only enriched the cultural fabric of Eswatini but have also resonated with audiences around the world, making Eswatini a vital part of the global musical heritage. As the music scene continues to evolve, these musicians remain central to its legacy, inspiring new generations of artists and listeners alike. Their music stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Swazi people, celebrating their cultural identity and shared humanity.
