BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – Talented artist Lyrikal Busta is set to make a significant impact in the music industry with the release of his highly anticipated Extended Play (EP) titled ‘Mbabane To Jozi,’ scheduled for Friday (February 21, 2025).
This project marks a vibrant fusion of Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage and the dynamic energy of Johannesburg, promising to capture the essence of the African music scene.
When reached for comment, Lyrikal Busta expressed his enthusiasm for this collaborative endeavour, which features renowned South African artist Zakwe. He shared that the EP consists of seven meticulously crafted tracks, driven by his desire to explore new musical territories and connect with diverse influences. “The inspiration behind this EP was basically me tapping into new grounds and meeting new people along the way,” Lyrikal stated. “I wanted to experiment and see how our sound evolves when we infuse it with different influences.”
The title, ‘Mbabane To Jozi,’ symbolizes not only a geographical journey but also a blend of cultures and musical styles. Lyrikal approached the creative process as a therapeutic experience, using his daily life as inspiration. “I took it a day at a time, using my daily experiences as inspiration. It was like living life while creating music,” he shared.
Among the standout tracks is “Sanibon’ eGoli,” featuring the vocal talents of King Habanero. This track serves as an anthem for unity, celebrating the shared experiences and challenges of artists and fans alike. Another highlight is “iMali,” which showcases collaborations with Zakwe and Sean Cast HQ.
Lyrikal Busta is particularly devoted to his long-time supporters as he returns to his hip-hop roots. “This project is a dedication to my day one fans,” he noted. “When I started out, I was primarily a hip-hop artist, and many of my friends and followers frequently ask when I’ll be dropping new hip-hop tracks. After the success of my debut project, ‘Afro Bliss,’ we decided to go the extra mile and release a hip-hop EP to cater to that fan base.”
The EP features an impressive lineup of collaborations, showcasing the spirit of teamwork that characterized its creation. Lyrikal teamed up with various artists, including Young Zesh, Trokho, Anzo, Chillow Chilli Chillz, Indiana RSA, Haem-O, and Skoen Pampiri, each contributing their unique sound to the project. The production team, featuring Sean Cast HQ and DJ Citie, adds an extra layer of polish to this vibrant musical offering.
Full Tracklist:
- Sanibon’ eGoli ft. King Habanero
- iMali ft. Zakwe & Sean Cast HQ
- Bavumile
- Insimbi ft. Young Zesh & Trokho
- Ngiyinkhosi
- Lidloti ft. Anzo, Chillow Chilli Chillz, Indiana RSA
- Ispani ft. Haem-O & Skoen Pampiri
