BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE- As the Kingdom of Eswatini prepares to enter the “Month of Love,” esteemed poets Tony Anthonimass and Melihle EM are set to unveil a soul-stirring creative collaboration titled ‘Tetsembiso’ (Promise).
The visuals for the poem are scheduled to premiere on February 6, 2026, promising a poignant celebration of commitment just in time for the Valentine’s season.
The poem, inspired by the beauty of marriage and the sanctity of a lifelong promise, serves as a powerful affirmation for lovers. In a recent interview, the duo shared that the project was born from a shared vision of love birds holding hands and pledging a better future together. “‘Tetsembiso’ is about a promise and rekindled love—the beauty of affirmation as two people confess their true love in front of the altar, friends, family, and God,” the poets explained. They further noted that the work provides “an image of how love can be celebrated through marriage and assurance,” expressing their hope to share this message with love birds and aspiring lovers.
Coming to the spark behind the collaboration, Anthonimass approached Melihle EM with the concept, and the two immediately clicked. Together, they crafted a narrative that reassures lovers that a promise to love and cherish must be kept.
A standout moment in the poem features the evocative lines: “Emkhatsini kwemhlaba netintsaba, PhimbikwaleSive nesibhakabhaka” (Between the world and the mountains, before the nation and the sky). According to the artists, these specific lines prove that true love should never be hidden; one should not be afraid to show the whole world what their partner means to them.
The project itself was a high-energy creative effort. The visuals were shot at the sophisticated Luxy Garden Restaurant at the Corner Plaza, captured by the lens of Impala Creatives. The audio production was a collaborative thrill, produced by B List Official with sound by Mahlubi Beats. The shoot was graced by an esteemed audience, including the likes of Jumbo Khumalo, Cebisa Cisco, Sphosethu, and members of the OGF Theater Group, adding a layer of community and artistic excellence to the production.
Fans of Siswati literature and soulful performance can expect the visuals for ‘Tetsembiso’ to drop on YouTube next week, February 6. The poem will also be available on all major digital streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Deezer under Anthonimass.
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(Courtesy Pic)
