Mbabane – Sancheziey’s Siyabonga Gogo remix continues to resonate with audiences across the Kingdom and beyond, climbing to 26,000 views on YouTube as of today and reinforcing the artist’s position as one of Eswatini’s most reflective and culturally grounded musicians.
The remix, titled Siyabonga Gogo REMIX and featuring Lodanda, Young Zesh and the Limkokwing University Choir, was conceived and produced in the Kingdom. It stands as a fusion of traditional Swati expression and contemporary sound, shaped by years of experimentation, patience and lived experience.
Speaking to Independent News Eswatini in an interview following the release, Sancheziey described his musical journey as long and layered, comparing it to progressing through an academic institution where each phase builds on the previous one. He said his nine year journey through music has taken him across Christian rap, hip hop, Afropop, soul and traditional genres, each leaving a distinct mark on his current sound.
“I had to jump from Christian rap to hip hop to Afropop to something soul, back to Afropop and then something traditional,” he said. “All that added an element because if you listen to my lyrical content, you will find Christianity there. You will find hip hop flows, Afropop texture and soul when it is needed.”
He admitted that during those transitions, he often felt impatient and eager to reach a destination without fully appreciating the process. With time, his perspective changed.
“You would never rush time. You would never rush God’s plan,” Sancheziey said. “Now I find myself appreciative of everything that happened. It was not an easy journey. There were a lot of challenges, but we are here now and it is beautiful.”
The Siyabonga Gogo remix had been an idea in his mind for months, one he initially declined to act on as early as June. Central to that vision was a desire to work with Lodanda, whose last major studio appearance was in 2015. Sancheziey said collaborating with her was not a spontaneous decision but a long term goal rooted in his belief that his music draws heavily from traditional foundations.
“I believe my music is just a fashion version of our heritage,” he said. “I knew that if I could do something with her, it could be something huge.”
When the collaboration finally materialised, he described the studio experience as unforgettable, saying Lodanda’s energy and talent remained powerful despite the years away from recording.
“Being a legend is being a legend,” he said. “If the talent is in you, no one can take that away. The energy in the studio was something else.”
Young Zesh was brought onto the project to speak to a younger audience and introduce a contemporary edge. Sancheziey said his presence helped align the song with the current generation while respecting its traditional core.
“If you want the 2000 generation to connect, you need that element,” he said, noting that Young Zesh is currently doing well in the industry.
The Limkokwing University Choir became a defining feature of the remix after Sancheziey heard them perform during a graduation ceremony. He said their arrangement lingered in his mind and ultimately shaped the direction of the remix.
“The choir gave me a taste that I could not rest from,” he said. “After hearing their arrangement at the graduation ceremony, I knew that if I could get them, it would make things easy and smooth.”
Their contribution is most evident in the final section of the song, where the melody rises sharply and demands technical precision.
“That part needed trained vocalists,” he explained. “They gave me that unique thing. A lot of people say that is where the remix peaks.”
Behind the scenes, several creatives played key roles in bringing the remix to life. Mabhodweni assisted with traditional regalia, ensuring that everyone on set was properly dressed in mvunulo to align with the cultural vision of the project. He also, alongside Ceceboy, added traditional adlibs that enriched the song’s texture. Ceceboy worked closely with the choir, coaching their vocals and ensuring consistency throughout the recording.
Cy Ndukwemnyama supported Lodanda during her recording sessions, guiding her through the fast paced rhythm of the track, while Ulaka Lebhubezi added subtle vocal layers beneath the verses and choruses to deepen the emotional tone. My Poteni contributed by playing the luveve near the end of the song, a moment Sancheziey described as a beautiful addition that enhanced the closing atmosphere.
The visualiser for the remix was produced by Make a Sound Records, who handled filming and editing. Still images from the sessions were captured by HR Team Studios, while Ncuti Studios documented the recording process within a studio environment that Sancheziey said complemented the creative vision.
The visual concept followed the philosophy of the Saluga brand, which positions itself as an ambassador of Swati culture. As a result, artists appeared in traditional attire throughout the visual presentation.
With Siyabonga Gogo continuing to attract viewers online, Sancheziey said his immediate focus remains on pushing the current release while quietly preparing future work. He hinted at new music and music videos in the pipeline, with a possible release around February, though he said plans were still taking shape.
Turning to those who have supported him, Sancheziey expressed deep gratitude to his fans, friends and family.
“I love them so much and I am grateful for every element they are adding to Saluga,” he said. “Without them, I am nothing. I call them my bosses.”
He also thanked his parents for their sacrifices and unwavering belief, crediting supporters for sharing, commenting and engaging with his work as Siyabonga Gogo continues to reach wider audiences.
Watch Siyabonga Gogo REMIX
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