BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
SITEKI– Eswatini’s entertainment industry is witnessing the steady rise of a determined new talent, Sunshine Kayone, who is carving a niche for himself through a versatile sound and an unshakable work ethic.
Blending the infectious rhythms of Amapiano with foundations in Hip-Hop and Afro-pop, the artist’s trajectory in the spotlight is a testament to the power of creative evolution. By focusing on his craft and responding to his growing audience, he has transformed from a bedroom singer into a professional recording artist ready to take on the local music charts.
Rooted in a childhood where music was his ultimate refuge, Kayone’s journey began under the care of his grandmother. Growing up in her household, he developed a passion for melody that transcended his circumstances, often singing to himself before eventually crafting his own original material. “I was in love with music and I used to sing along… making sure to know lyrics of each song and sang it by my own,” he recalls. After being advised by friends to develop his unique craft, Kayone began recording his own music using his mobile phone to capture ideas over downloaded instrumentals.
This grassroots approach allowed him to refine his skills, producing ten early tracks that included fan favorites such as “True Love” and “Future Wife.” Driven by a vision of future success, Sunshine Kayone balanced his musical ambitions with immense dedication, even selling sweets and chips to fund his professional recording sessions. “I was sacrificing because I was seeing bigger artists living soft life—that encouraged me a lot telling me to push harder,” he explains, citing the visible success of others as a blueprint for his own professional goals.
A pivotal shift occurred in 2025 with his first Amapiano single, “Gabi Gabi,” which convinced him to pivot genres after an overwhelming public response. “Most people fell in love with the song and some of them said, ‘why don’t you do piano forever cause it suits you,’ so I decided to do it,” he shares regarding his transition into the “piano” scene. This decision led to the follow-up track “Abushe Sbali” and his upcoming EP, Utjwala, which features the hit single “Ngusbali.”
Now, Kayone is using his platform to encourage other upcoming artists to remain steadfast despite slow progress. Offering a universal message of hope to his peers, the artist remarked: “Just believe in yourself, even when it feels like the world is moving slow. It’s about finding strength in patience and knowing that your breakthrough is on the way.” He emphasizes that the journey is as important as the destination, reminding fellow creatives that consistency is the key to eventual recognition.
Looking toward the future, the ambitious vocalist remains focused on fulfilling his dreams of collaborating with industry heavyweights. “I wish to collaborate with artists like Blaq Major, Blaq Diva, Fab G and Master KG—hope one day God will help me fulfill my dreams,” he stated. With his eyes on the international stage, Kayone continues to work toward a legacy that reflects both his heritage and his relentless drive to succeed.
#EPN #SunshineKayone #AmapianoStar #MusicJourney #UtjwalaEP #EswatiniTalent #NewMusic #MasterKG #BlaqMajor #RisingStar
(Courtesy Pic)
