MBABANE – Eswatini country music artist Sibusiso Dlamini, popularly known as Sbuetjas, is turning moments of solitude into a musical conversation through his latest single, Hello Loneliness, set for release tomorrow, October 10.
Hailing from Phophonyane, Piggs Peak, Dlamini draws inspiration from a period in his life when he spent considerable time alone with his guitars, with little to no direct human contact. What began as an ordinary conversation with a friend eventually sparked an idea that would become his latest musical offering.
According to Dlamini, the friend hinted during a phone conversation that he appeared to be lonely. The observation prompted him to reflect on how often he experienced loneliness, even when he might not have wanted to admit it.
“From that conversation, I realised I am lonely more times than I may admit. As a result, an idea for a song came to me. If I am lonely most times, then loneliness is but a companion to me, and I must write a song about our companionship,” he explained.
Rather than presenting loneliness as something to fear or escape, Hello Loneliness encourages listeners to embrace moments of solitude and use them as opportunities for personal growth and creativity.
Dlamini describes solitude as a companion that quietly allows people to explore their thoughts, reflect on their lives and discover new possibilities.
He hopes the song will inspire listeners to channel their thoughts into productive activities instead of allowing negative emotions to overwhelm them.
In the chorus, the singer takes the unusual approach of inviting loneliness into the songwriting process, portraying it as a companion that has stood by him through difficult moments.
He explained that the song narrates how loneliness has had his back and held his hand like a friend who is always present.
For Dlamini, songwriting is an introspective process that often takes place within his own world, even when he is surrounded by people.
“As a songwriter, I spend most times in my own bubble. Even when around people, my mind is always sifting through ideas and observations, searching for a song,” he said.
However, he noted that Hello Loneliness presents a different musical atmosphere from some of his previous releases, including Mvelinchanti Ngiyabonga and I’ve Walked All the Roads.
While those songs carry a high-energy, spirited and jovial mood, his latest offering takes a slower, more reflective direction while maintaining a message of hope.
Dlamini believes solitude often brings self-reflection, but people tend to dwell on the negative aspects of their lives during such moments.
Through the single, he encourages listeners not to run away from difficult thoughts but to redirect their mental energy towards positive pursuits, including brainstorming ideas, reconsidering plans and finding constructive ways to move forward.
Musically, fans can expect a conversational, slow-tempo ballad delivered through his low baritone voice. The artist hopes the song will draw listeners into deep thought and challenge their perceptions of being alone.
Beyond the release, Dlamini is also preparing for more live performances and new music.
On November 14, he will co-host the third edition of the Go Friends Show alongside Alfred Gama. The event promises a night of energetic, live country music, complete with the boot-stomping sounds associated with the genre.
Looking ahead, the artist has another single, My Heart Danced, scheduled for release later this year.
Sbuetjas Dlamini invites listeners to reconsider an emotion many people struggle to confront, reminding them that moments spent alone can become opportunities to reflect, create and find hope.
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