MANZINI– After years of carving his name into Eswatini’s creative and music scene, Sibusiso Shongwe, popularly known as Bless LePoet, has entered a new chapter with the release of his latest extended play (EP), Family Blood.
Formerly known as Yung BadNewz, Bless LePoet has been developing his artistry since 2017, initially making his mark through Hip-Hop before expanding his creative expression into poetry, soulful melodies and other genres. Now, with 10 carefully selected tracks, Family Blood gives listeners a deeper look into the artist’s experiences, relationships and understanding of what truly makes people family.
The project carries a powerful message: blood does not always define family. Through its songs, Bless LePoet explores loyalty, trust and genuine support, while confronting the painful reality that biological relatives can sometimes betray or hurt you, whereas people who are not related by blood can become your strongest support system.
The project therefore asks listeners to look beyond DNA and consider the relationships built through love, loyalty and shared experiences.
Bless LePoet is no stranger to wearing many hats. Described as a “Person of Extra-Ordinary Thinking,” he is a clothing brand owner, songwriter, poet, graphic designer, music arranger, stage performer, recording artist and MC. His versatility has allowed him to move between different creative spaces while maintaining poetry and storytelling at the heart of his work.
His voice has reached platforms including Channel YemaSwati, Uneswa FM, EBIS and Eswatini TV, while his work has also earned recognition through nominations for prestigious awards. On stage, he has shared platforms with artists including Diba Diba, DJ TPZ, Frans CEO and Eimsofly.
His poetry has also found a home beyond music, featuring in productions such as Buciko Benhlitiyo and Forest Film Eswatini, as well as being incorporated into comedy and other creative works. Internationally, his work has been featured in the U.S.-based Pepper Magazine, while his collaborations have connected him with creatives from South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Lesotho, Malawi and Ghana.
Beyond his own music, Bless LePoet continues to create opportunities for fellow artists through Bars2Bars Cypher, which he founded and hosts. The platform gives local artists a space to showcase their music, bars and lyrical creativity.
Family Blood continues this storytelling tradition, touching on themes of love, loss, betrayal, loyalty, broken dreams and the struggles faced by creatives. The project blends elements of Poetry, Afro, Amapiano, Hip-Hop and soulful melodies, creating a soundscape that reflects Bless LePoet’s multifaceted identity.
The EP features Danzero, King Mzesh, SeimeStonesDpr, BadRelief, LovernSky, Mtouch, Lil Blade, P-Floozy, Tkeey, KrazyM and The Punisher, with production contributions from King Kangaroo, XeRo, Danzero, King Mzesh and BR.
Among Bless LePoet’s notable previous works is “Bengisemngcwabeni Wami 1st,” further showcasing his ability to transform real-life experiences into expressive music and poetry.
The EP is available for streaming exclusively on Eswatini Hits, while fans who want to own the project can purchase it for E29.99 via WhatsApp on +268 76511369.
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