EZULWINI – A new voice is making waves in the local hip-hop landscape, and it’s coming straight out of eMvutjini. Known by his stage name ProRBS NTM, the young artist is capturing attention with his raw storytelling, street-smart lyrics, and consistent output that reflects life as it’s lived in Eswatini’s townships.
Born and raised in the Ezulwini area, ProRBS has gone from trading bars with friends at Valley Primary School to recording some of the most talked-about verses in the country’s underground scene. With a sound rooted in hip-hop and afropop, and a recent breakout single Daliwami featuring Cool Drop and Wess June Ten, he’s fast becoming one to watch.
We sat down with the artist to learn more about where he’s coming from, what drives him, and what fans should expect next.
1. Where did you grow up and how did your musical journey begin?
I grew up at Ezulwini, eMvutjini, staying with my parents and siblings. I did my primary schooling at Ezulwini Valley Primary School, and that’s where I started music with my friends, including Young Zesh and other boys. I went on to do my high school at Somnjalose High. My stage name is ProRBS — “Pro” stands for “Professor” because I believe I’m a professor in this music thing, and “RBS” stands for “ROBOCOPS,” the team where I started music and grew to love it. I will never forget where I came from. We were with Young Zesh in that team, pushing the same dream of music. I decided to do hip-hop because I was a fan of Teargas, the group of K.O, Ma-E, and the other guy. I started writing music in 2014, but began recording in 2015 and never stopped since.
2. What genre or sound do you focus on?
I do hip-hop and afropop. The difference is that on a hip-hop beat, I do melodic rap — sometimes I rap while singing. I always try to write something that people can relate to.
3. What was your first song and how was it received?
My first song was Sfuna iMullah, which means “we want money.” Honestly, I hate that song because people were very negative about it — they said it was trash. But because of the love I have for music, I didn’t stop. I kept going and improved my craft, and now people really love the music we are giving them.
4. Which songs have helped you grow or gain recognition?
There was a Mvutjini anthem song by DJ Citie featuring Young Zesh, Histo, Am Black Emstar, and me, ProRBS. That was the first song that introduced me to the public — it was trending and everyone loved it. It also worked well for Young Zesh. Another one was Mbamba by DJ Citie featuring Charlie SD, Mshiza Mnguni, Histo, Stella Jacobs, and me. That song worked well for Stella Jacobs and Histo. I couldn’t focus much due to school, but after completing my course, I dropped Inhlonipho earlier this year and it did well. From then, I promised myself to stay consistent and keep releasing music. Now I have a trending song Daliwami by me, ProRBS, featuring Cool Drop & Wess June Ten. I believe in collaboration.
5. Who are your biggest musical influences?
Locally, it’s Dibadiba. In South Africa, it’s Sjava.
6. How do you find inspiration when writing music?
I write based on my feelings or things I’ve seen happening to someone.
7. What do you write about in your music?
I write about my life problems, happy moments, and everything in between.
8. Who have you collaborated with, and who would you love to work with?
I’ve done a lot of collaborations with artists like Young Zesh, Histo, and Cooldrop — just to mention a few.
9. What has been your biggest milestone or breakthrough in your music career?
My biggest milestone or breakthrough is now, just because I have a big trading song which is mine and I have featured artists. I believe in them. All along I was on trading songs, but it was for DJ Citie.
10. What challenges have you faced in your music journey?
Challenges that I faced are when I have to do school, work, and music at the same time. I am still trying to manage them.
11. How do you behave in public compared to your personal life?
In public, I behave the way people want to see me or the way I want to see my brand. But that doesn’t change me personally. When I’m at home, I become the child that my parents raised. I respect them by all means and I respect everyone and treat everyone equally.
12. What are you happy or unhappy about regarding your music career?
I’m happy because people now really support us. But the only thing I’m not happy about is the promoters. They do not book us or invest in local artists. I wish to see them supporting us just like they support others.
13. How important is social media for your music career?
Social media is very important because it is the fastest tool we use to promote our craft and have more impact. More artists are being recognized because of social media. It makes it easy for us as artists to connect with our fans.
14. What should your fans expect from you in the near future?
My fans should expect more good music this year and more visuals. We are releasing Daliwami on 11 July at 9 am. Shows are on the way. I already have a gig on 2 August at MJ Lodge and Lifestyle at Piggs Peak.
15. What do you do outside of music?
Outside music, I am a businessman doing handcrafts to make money for myself.
Watch ProRBS _Umthantazo wabaphansi (official music video)
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