YOUNG ZESH’S ‘KOGCINA BANI’ HIT LANDS ON UKHOZI FM

BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE

MBABANE– Eswatini’s rising star Young Zesh is celebrating a career-defining moment this week after his Afro Pop collaboration, “Kogcina Bani,” officially secured a spot on the playlist of South Africa’s leading radio station, Ukhozi FM.

The track, a cross-border partnership with Durban-based musician and producer Nomndayi, has reached a significant breakthrough. Industry observers note that rotation on Ukhozi FM—one of the most influential radio platforms in Africa—frequently serves as a gateway to mainstream success for emerging independent acts.

Released under Nomndayi Music, “Kogcina Bani” has recently gained renewed momentum following its inclusion on the station’s high-rotation playlist.

Nomndayi, hailing from Inanda in Durban, is well known for his steady rise within Afro Pop circles through hits like iSide Lami and Amathafa. His reputation as a community-driven artist and performer has even placed him in conversations regarding the South African Music Awards (SAMAs), specifically highlighting independent artists making an impact outside the major label system.

For Young Zesh, the airplay is an affirmation of the hard work put into the collaboration. Speaking on the milestone, the artist described the reception as both humbling and unexpected.

“It feels amazing and humbling at the same time. When you record a song you do not always imagine it crossing borders,” Young Zesh shared. He further noted that the track’s success outside its initial market proves the “universal appeal” of their sound, stating that people from different regions are clearly connecting with the energy of the music.

Ukhozi FM, which broadcasts to millions of listeners, has historically played a pivotal role in amplifying locally produced music and breaking new talent. The inclusion of “Kogcina Bani” signals that the duo is now being heard by a massive audience across South Africa and beyond.

As the track continues to climb regional charts, Young Zesh remains one of the most watched artists from the Kingdom, proving that Eswatini’s sound is more than ready for the global stage.