BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
NHLANGANO – Driven by a hunger to tell the stories of the streets, local lyricist Mongi Penuel Simelane, better known as Cedric, is making waves with a sound that brings the raw energy of Shiselweni to the forefront.
Known to many by his nickname Skuva, the rapper has transformed from a high school dreamer into a powerhouse of Zulu-infused Kasi rap, determined to put his home area of Nkhomonye on the map.
Academic Success Meets Musical Passion
Cedric’s musical journey took a serious turn while he was a student at Ngwane Teachers Training College, where he was part of the graduating class of 2025. Balancing the rigors of academic life with his creative passion, he successfully completed a Diploma in Primary Teaching, specializing in Mathematics and ICT.
While many would have spent their first college allowance on luxuries, Cedric chose to invest in his future, hitting the studio to record his first-ever track, “I’m on the Game.” Reflecting on that milestone, he says, “That was my first dream come true. I made that music just to show how happy I was to finally be in the game.”
Drawing Inspiration from Legends
Growing up, Cedric found his voice by listening to the storytelling mastery of South African stars Zakwe and Duncan. Their ability to paint pictures of township life through lyrics inspired him to do the same for Eswatini. “Their stories made me want to tell mine,” Cedric explains.
This drive was further supported by his local peers, who gave him the name Skuva. Ever since, he has felt a responsibility to live up to that title by delivering authentic verses, noting that “people around me fueled me when they named me Skuva, so I had to show them why.”
Shiselo Down South Studios
Cedric is currently pushing his latest work, “Shiselo Sgod’ Esinamandla,” a project recorded with his newly formed group, Shiselo Down South Studios. The track is a tribute to the beauty and history of Shiselweni, aimed at showing the country how “the South” rolls.
Despite the local buzz, the rapper is open about the struggles of being an independent artist. “It’s tough buying beats and pushing music, but seeing others succeed motivates me,” he admits. “I’ve got too much to say, but music is where I express myself best—that’s why I won’t give up.”
The Road to “Raw and Real” 2026
The new year promises to be a busy one for the Nkhomonye native, with a fresh single set to drop on January 31, 2026. This release is a lead-up to his highly anticipated EP project, titled “Raw and Real.” While he continues to grind, Cedric shared a secret aspiration for a collaboration with local vocal star Popzin. “I just love his music and his voice. Every time I listen to him, I feel like I would have done my best if featured, but I have never disclosed this to anyone—it’s just a wish,” he says. As he continues to refine his craft, Cedric’s ultimate vision remains to see the sounds of Eswatini celebrated on global stages.
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