Swazi Traditional Afro Pop artist Sancheziey, also known as Salukazana, dropped the music video for his latest single eMaweni on Wednesday morning, releasing it on YouTube at 6am and bringing to life a song deeply rooted in Swati cultural tradition.
The video was put together by Ejal’dini Studios in association with Bongsta Motion Pictures. The production credits list Ejal’dini Studios as both director and camera operator, with the script written by Sancheziey. Ray Dlamini served as gaffer while Ntsika Fakudze of Ejal’dini Studios handled editing and colour grading.
The song speaks directly to the pain of failed romantic relationships, a theme the artist says cuts across age groups among emaSwati.
“As we continue with the cultural substance in the music, the is something newer; eMaweni. Since my latest release in December 19, 2025; The REMIX. I’m humbled to bring you eMaweni; a story of a broken-hearted Swati Girl or Boy, Man or Woman who has been done wrong by romantic love (Umjolo). Almost everyone around and above the age of 23 has painful side of umjolo. With this release, I’m not trying to take them back, but I’m trying to say Face your fears, it’s time to let go,” Sancheziey said.
The artist drew inspiration from songs traditionally performed at Umtsimba ceremonies, reframing the familiar exchange between a bride and her brothers into a modern story about romantic heartbreak.
“The song is know to be sang at Umtsimba where the bride asks her brothers why they’re leaving her, and the brother’s response is around giving her surety that the is a better man there waiting for you. In our case, the song favors the men or the women, so one is asking the other why you leaving me, is it because you’ve found a better partner. The verses come in narration of everything,” he said.
Alongside the single, the release brings an Umgidvo version of a track that has grown into a staple at local imitsimba gatherings, with Sancheziey saying the version is intended to bring the song to a younger generation.
“From the fox song that is an anthem of Imitsimba locally, be braced to welcome the Umgidvo version which will make the newer generation know the song. This is my story, this is everyone’s story and with that regard, I believe emaSwati will relate,” he said.
Sancheziey pointed to the 3rd Edition of the Kingdom of Eswatini Arts Summit as a key influence on how he approaches blending culture with commercial music.
“In the 3rd Edition of The Kingdom of Eswatini Arts Summit, we learnt more about monetizing culture and the way I dig the cultural song so re create it so it fits the modern world is me monetizing culture,” he said.
The track was produced by Tus Mvuleni of Emadlelweni Music, with Sancheziey credited for recording and overall production.
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