By Nosipho Mabuza (intern)
SIPHOFANENI – Two of Eswatini’s rising spoken word artists, Bless LePoet and Azzy l de Poetess, have teamed up to release Ngilimele, a poignant and emotionally raw spoken word piece.
Titled after the Siswati word for “I am wounded,” the poem delves into the emotional pain and psychological scars left behind by a toxic relationship—told from the deeply personal perspective of a heartbroken man.
Framed as a dialogue between two voices, Ngilimele offers more than just poetic expression—it provides a powerful commentary on unreciprocated love, vulnerability, and the silent emotional battles men often face. The poem has resonated deeply with young audiences, who recognize themselves in the heartfelt confessions and intense emotions captured in each verse.
Sibusiso Shongwe, known in the creative scene as Bless LePoet, lends his signature depth and vulnerability to the project. A nominee for ‘Poetic Writer of the Year’ at the 2023 Swazi Fest Writers Awards and a 2024 Jumbo Festival Awards nominee for Entertainment Personality of the Year, Bless has built a strong reputation through appearances on platforms like EBIS, UNESWA FM, and Eswatini TV. He also recently expanded his reach by contributing as an interviewer for Pepper Magazine in the United States.
His co-creator, Azzy l de Poetess, is a 20-year-old journalism student from Ntontozi who began performing in 2018. Her participation in events hosted by Mic Culture Association and her standout performance at the Evangelical Church in Zulwini have earned her a growing following. Known for her emotional intensity and compelling stage presence, Azzy brings a grounded authenticity to the collaboration.
The creative process behind Ngilimele involved a talented production team: RichBoy IzzyCash led the production, while Tn$ Savvy of Wise Eagle Records handled the mixing and mastering. The result is a polished, soul-stirring piece that merges heartfelt writing with high-quality audio, amplifying its emotional impact.
With its official release now available on YouTube, both Bless LePoet and Azzy l de Poetess are encouraging audiences to engage with the poem, reflect on its themes, and open up conversations around mental health, heartbreak, and healing.
Stream Ngilimele here: https://youtu.be/f78WLbV28EU?si=LVvuXaJLpbRm0dVe
