Rising deejay Samkelo Dlamini, known on stage as SKYLOE, is gaining recognition in the regional music scene as he builds a reputation from his home area of Ngwenya in western Eswatini.
The young DJ has been steadily growing his profile across venues in the kingdom and neighbouring South Africa, turning what began as a pastime into a professional pursuit shaped by persistence and passion.
His breakthrough came during an early performance across the border, where he played before a mixed audience and witnessed the unifying power of music firsthand.
“That’s when I realized music has the power to connect and create unforgettable experiences,” he reflects. “The energy was addictive. It wasn’t just about playing songs anymore, it was about creating moments.”
SKYLOE has become known for his ability to read the room while maintaining his distinct sound. His sets balance familiar tracks with unexpected transitions, allowing him to respond to changing moods on the dance floor without losing his musical identity.
“It’s about making sure everyone feels like they were part of something unique,” he explains. “You maintain your identity but still respond to the crowd.”
While comfortable across several genres including Afro house, 3Step, deep house and amapiano, he gravitates strongly toward Afro house and 3Step, styles he says allow him to connect deeply with listeners. His enthusiasm behind the decks often mirrors the crowd’s excitement.
One standout performance took place at Mdzimba View, where a diverse audience created unpredictable energy throughout the night. Instead of retreating to a single style, he moved fluidly between sounds, gradually bringing the crowd together.
“By the end of the night, the energy was insane,” he recalls.
Preparation for each set begins with observing the room and slowly building momentum. He tracks reactions closely, shaping the experience so that by the final track the audience feels carried through a complete musical journey.
Breaking into larger platforms has presented challenges. Competition among emerging DJs is fierce, and opportunities often depend on connections within the industry. SKYLOE says he is addressing this by strengthening his brand, performing regularly at different venues, collaborating with other artists and maintaining an online presence.
“Branding is everything,” he emphasizes. “Your music can be fire, but how people perceive you, your visuals, your image, your story, that’s what makes a lasting impact.”
His path has included disappointments such as cancelled bookings and venues that doubted his abilities. Rather than discouraging him, he says those moments reinforced the value of preparation and persistence.
“They taught me the importance of preparation and that persistence is stronger than immediate recognition,” he says.
Asked to summarise his performances, SKYLOE describes them as driven by energy, versatility and connection, with each appearance crafted as a journey through the sounds that define his style.
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