DIAMOND KWEEN SHINES AS ESWATINI’S VOICE ON THE WORLD ALBUM

BY NOSIPHO MABUZA

MATSAPHA- Young Swati star joins 200-track global project uniting artists from every country.

At just 20 years old, Silindokuhle Mdluli, known to music fans as Diamond Kween, has proudly placed Eswatini on the global stage as part of The World Album, a groundbreaking project that brings together artists from every country in the world. Representing Eswatini at number 96, she joins an extraordinary 200-track collection showcasing 93 languages and 121 genres.

Born in Mbikwakhe Zone A, Matsapha, and now based in Mbabane, Diamond Kween’s journey to this achievement began in 2023 with an unexpected call from her then-manager, Hlengizwi Ngcobo. “I was coming from church when he told me he had received a DM on Instagram from Brandon, the album’s producer,” she recalls. “We even did a video call to make sure it wasn’t a scam. He said he loved my voice and my heartbreak song Ufunani, which is written in SiSwati.”

Ufunani, co-written with and produced by Mlindos Da Boss, blends heartfelt storytelling with a rich African sound. “The song is about love and heartbreak, something that connects all of us as humans,” she explains. “It reflects how Swati women are respectful, tolerant, and give their all in relationships, all in the name of love.”

Although she was initially skeptical, Diamond Kween chose to seize the opportunity. “For me, 96 is like two people viewing the same thing from slightly different perspectives,” she says. “I believe in the spiritual meaning of numbers, it felt like a sign of enlightenment.”

For the rising star, this project is about more than personal success. “Eswatini has big talent. We need to be seen, heard, and exposed to the world,” she says. “Being part of this project is proof that Eswatini artists are ready and moving forward.”

Her participation in The World Album has also boosted her brand, which is built on telling authentic African stories from a young woman’s perspective in both SiSwati and English. “This marks my journey, where I’ve been, who I’ve worked with, and how I’m connecting with people internationally. It’s also helping grow my social media reach and refine my craft.”

And there’s more to come. “I’ll be releasing another single soon, something completely unexpected from me since I’ve mostly done Afro-trap and Afro-pop,” she teases.

With her unique voice, compelling storytelling, and newfound global platform, Diamond Kween is proving that Eswatini’s sound deserves to be heard on the world stage.