BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE – Award-winning Eswatini artist Sancheziey has revealed that his newly released nine-track album, uMntfwana weLive, is a heartfelt tribute to His Majesty King Mswati III, honouring the monarch’s 40th year on the throne while celebrating the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and reminding young people of their identity, purpose and responsibility.
The musician shared the inspiration behind the album during an interview on Eswatini TV Kusile Breakfast Show, hosted by Sifiso Nxumalo, where he unpacked the deeper meaning behind the album title, artwork and several of its songs.
Sancheziey explained that uMntfwana weLive, which translates to “Child of the Nation,” was inspired by the King’s enduring role as the custodian of Eswatini’s culture and traditions.
“2026, the country celebrates His Majesty’s 40 years on the throne. He is the first Cultural Ambassador, and I believe our culture did not begin with us, but with those who came before us, especially the King. What would we have done without him showing us how to preserve and practise our culture the right way? That is why I decided to dedicate the album to him,” he said.
He said being a “child of the nation” goes beyond nationality, describing it as a symbol of identity, purpose and responsibility.
Sancheziey stressed that many young people have drifted away from cultural values and traditions, yet in Siswati culture, every child is regarded as the responsibility of the entire community.
This message is carried powerfully in the album’s closing track, “Emakamelweni,” which encourages young people to abstain from premature sexual activity and remain focused on growing into responsible adults.
The artist also opened up about the album’s striking cover artwork, revealing that its design was intentionally rooted in Eswatini’s cultural identity.
He said the outer cover resembles the lihhiya, the upper part of traditional Siswati attire, while the sihlangu (shield) dominates the artwork to symbolise bravery, protection and the spirit of a warrior.
“When people see me, they must see culture. They must see a Liswati. That is why traditional attire was the only option for the album cover,” he said.
Beyond celebrating culture, Sancheziey said the album explores everyday life through relatable storytelling.
He highlighted Track Four, “Emaweni,” as a song about love and relationships, capturing the pain of watching a once-beautiful relationship suddenly fall apart, leaving only memories behind.
He also described Track Five, “Emancamuncamu,” as a reflection on changing eating habits, noting that modern society has countless food choices compared to earlier generations who survived on simple traditional foods such as ligusha (bush okra).
The nine-track project blends culture, love, social commentary and spirituality, showcasing Sancheziey’s storytelling ability while reinforcing his commitment to preserving Eswatini’s heritage through music.
The album features the following tracks:
- Utawuvua Ngengoma
- Batawuvuma
- Yemajaha
- Emaweni
- Emancamuncamu
- Moses
- Siyabonga Gogo (Remix)
- Halalaa
- Emakamelweni
With uMntfwana weLive, Sancheziey is not only delivering music for entertainment but also presenting a cultural blueprint that honours the King’s legacy while challenging the younger generation to embrace the values that define the Swazi nation.
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