Shiselweni glory to national ambition, three artists are turning collaboration into a statement of intent
HLATIKULU, SHISELWENI — Fresh from being crowned NACA Award winner for Best Regional Hip Hop Artist, Shiselweni, Cate Officixl is already looking beyond regional recognition.
With the national awards now on the horizon, the Hlatikulu-born artist has teamed up with fellow Hlatikulu talent Siantor Siwela, popularly known as uSinini, and Matsapha-based artist Mthiago for two highly anticipated collaborations, “Gawula Zembe” and “UMdzimba.”
Currently under production, the two songs carry a common theme, breaking barriers, rising above challenges and refusing to be held back.
For Cate Officixl, the collaborations arrive at an important point in his career. His NACA regional victory has strengthened his profile, but rather than treating the award as the finish line, he is using the recognition as motivation to push further.
The collaborations also reflect a broader ambition: to create music that represents Shiselweni while competing for attention on the national stage.
The first collaboration, “Gawula Zembe,” takes a culturally rooted and traditional direction while carrying a powerful message of determination.
The song addresses the people and circumstances that may have attempted to stand in the artists’ way. Instead of allowing those obstacles to define their journey, the artists turn them into fuel for their ambition.
“Gawula Zembe” therefore becomes a declaration of resilience, a message that the dream can no longer be stopped.
Its traditional influence also gives the song a distinctly Swazi identity, allowing the artists to blend their contemporary musical ambitions with the culture and sounds of home.
While “Gawula Zembe” focuses on overcoming obstacles, “UMdzimba” brings a more energetic and attention-grabbing approach.
Inspired by Mdzimba, the historic hill and place associated with important moments in Eswatini’s history, the song uses the idea of elevation as a metaphor for the artists’ ambitions.
The track is expected to carry an electric, high-energy sound, centred on the idea of rising so high that people have no choice but to take notice.
For the artists, “UMdzimba” is about turning heads, commanding attention and signalling that a new force is emerging from outside the country’s traditional entertainment centres.
Beyond the music itself, the collaboration represents a connection between different parts of Eswatini’s creative landscape.
Siantor Siwela, known as uSinini, represents Combo yeNigga neNkabi, which recently released its anticipated track “Emlanjeni.” His involvement further highlights the growing musical movement emerging from Hlatikulu and the wider Shiselweni region.
Mthiago, based in Matsapha, brings a different creative perspective and energy to the project.
Together, the three artists connect Hlatikulu, Shiselweni and Matsapha, creating music with ambitions that stretch far beyond their respective communities.
Cate Officixl’s recent NACA victory adds another layer of significance to the collaborations.
Being named Best Regional Hip Hop Artist – Shiselweni has placed the artist in a stronger position as he heads towards the national awards. More importantly, it has reinforced his belief that artists from the regions can earn recognition at the highest level.
For Cate Officixl, the regional award is not the destination, it is a stepping stone.
The two upcoming collaborations embody that philosophy.
“Gawula Zembe” represents cutting through the barriers.
“UMdzimba” represents rising high enough for the entire country to see.
With Cate Officixl, Siantor Siwela and Mthiago joining forces, the songs are shaping up to be more than ordinary collaborations. They are statements of ambition from artists determined to prove that powerful talent can emerge from anywhere in Eswatini.
The songs are currently under production, with Tus Mvuleni handling production as the artists continue refining the sound and bringing the concept to life.
For the trio, the message is clear: they are not waiting for permission to rise, they are making their own way to the top.
Discussion about this post