By Nomsa Dlamini (Intern)
NKOMAZI – He started out performing in front of his bedroom mirror—now he’s building beats for some of the hottest rising stars in Eswatini. Sizolwethu Tfusi, better known as Leo T, is quickly becoming one of the most exciting producers to watch in the local music scene.
“I used to memorize lyrics and perform alone like I was on stage,” Leo T laughs, remembering his early love for music. Born and raised in the heart of Nkomazi, he’s proof that you don’t need fancy equipment or a big-city background to make serious moves—just passion and a whole lot of patience.
Leo’s big break came in secondary school when he linked up with well-known producer Sleek Ace, a mentor figure who’s worked with heavyweights like Lyrical Buster. That mentorship sparked a creative partnership with his long-time friend Wax (Sibusiso Ntuli), and the duo began putting out their first group projects.
But while Leo entered the scene as a performer, it was the magic behind the music that truly called to him. “What drew me in was the process—building a song from scratch. From the beat to the lyrics, to mixing and mastering—it felt like creating art,” he says.
Since then, Leo T has been on a roll, producing for artists like Wax, Celeb Citee, Ndzingstar, Nkay, and Lewellyn. He’s a musical chameleon, able to adapt to just about any sound, though he says his heart leans toward Afro Pop and Afro Trap.
Even with a treasure trove of unreleased tracks, Leo’s playing it smart. He’s been teasing snippets of his work on his Facebook page (@LeotMax) and growing his fan base organically before dropping his much-anticipated EP. “I want people to really feel the build-up. When it drops, I want it to matter,” he says, hinting that a release date is on the way.
And he’s not just producing—he’s helping the next wave, offering affordable recording sessions for upcoming artists who are ready to step into the studio.
His message to fellow dreamers; “Stay true to yourself, even if your vision only makes sense to you right now. One day, it’ll make sense to everyone.”
With a humble spirit, undeniable talent, and a studio work ethic that doesn’t quit, Leo T is more than just a producer—he’s a movement in the making. Eswatini, take note: this beat maker’s about to make serious noise.
