By Phumzile Ndlovu
MBABANE- The spotlight was firmly on local and international talent in the explosive fourth season of the ‘Bars2Bars Cypher’, an innovative hip-hop showcase hosted by creative powerhouses Bless LePoet (Sibusiso Shongwe) and Bob Musician (Bongani Gamedze).
This season, which concluded with rave reviews, featured eleven artists — including seven rising stars from Eswatini and four international acts from Lesotho, Ghana, and Malawi. The cross-border collaboration turned heads and turned up the volume on what’s possible when artists are given the mic and the moment.
For Bless LePoet, a well-known poet and advocate for the arts, the cypher is more than just a performance—it’s a movement.
“I wanted to help expose the artists and hope that more artists will come on board as we prepare to host Season Five,” he shared.
His words echo the heart of the project: to be a platform where unheard voices are amplified and artistry is celebrated.
Bob Musician, founder of Afro Melodies Studio in Lomshasha and a prolific producer, added that collaboration was central to the project’s success:
“Music is an art of expression. This song opened a platform for upcoming hip-hop artists across countries. The audience’s vote will also shape who appears in Season Five,” he said.
Season Four brought together a dynamic range of artists including:
Bonkhedopo SD
Pollar B 001
The SON
Boyzie RS
King Mzesh
Alec The Father’s Hope
Vexy Lee
Pbl Megamind
DJDrejik Twosixfive Khobwe
SlimNutty Nobaby
General Chris
Each brought lyrical fire and unique flavour to a drill beat crafted by Bob Musician. The track was recorded, mixed, and mastered at Afro Melodies, showcasing the home-grown quality and professionalism embedded in the project.
“This song is a beacon of hope,” said Bless LePoet. “It’s a melody with rhythms that inspire and lyrics that empower. ‘Bars2Bars’ is your anthem to rise above and seize your moment.”
With momentum building, expectations are sky-high for Season Five of Bars2Bars. While the release date is still to be announced, both hosts are already looking to expand the platform and invite more talent into the fold.
“We want to see more artists stepping up and taking this opportunity,” said Bob. “We’ve built something special, and it’s only getting bigger.”
Season Four wasn’t just a cypher—it was a statement. A testament to how collaboration, passion, and raw talent can transcend borders. With Bless LePoet and Bob Musician leading the way, ‘Bars2Bars’ is evolving into one of the most important platforms for hip-hop voices in and beyond Eswatini.
As anticipation for Season Five builds, one thing is clear: the bars are getting sharper, the beats bolder, and the platform stronger.
