BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE – Local record label Mabonwa Abulawe Records is set to release a patriotic anthem aimed at celebrating Eswatini’s history, unity and resilience while showcasing the strength of local collaboration.
The song, titled Umliba Loyembili, is scheduled for release on July 24, 2026, across all major digital streaming platforms. Spearheaded by the label’s founder and chief executive, Young Zesh, the project brings together several emaSwati artists in a blend of hip-hop and traditional Eswatini musical influences.
Speaking in an interview, Young Zesh said Umliba Loyembili was inspired by his love for the Kingdom of Eswatini and the legacy of the nation’s forefathers. He described the song as more than entertainment, saying it was created to remind emaSwati of their shared identity and the courage that has defined the country throughout its history.
“Umliba Loyembili is more than just a song; it’s a movement. The inspiration came from my love for the Kingdom of Eswatini, our history, and the strength of our people. I wanted to create an anthem that reminds every listener that we come from a nation built by fearless warriors,” he said.
Young Zesh explained that growing up hearing stories about Eswatini’s late kings and the warriors who defended the kingdom inspired him to produce music that reflects the same spirit of bravery and determination. He believes that although generations have changed, the resilience that shaped the nation remains alive among emaSwati today.
Beyond celebrating the country’s heritage, Young Zesh said the project was intentionally designed to unite artists from different musical backgrounds under one vision. He believes collaboration, rather than competition, is key to growing Eswatini’s music industry.
“I also wanted to bring artists from different backgrounds together on one record to prove that unity is our greatest strength. This song is about standing together, just like our forefathers did,” he said.
According to Young Zesh, the song carries a message of courage, unity, strength and national pride, encouraging people from all walks of life to remain resilient while pursuing their dreams.
He said the recording process, although challenging due to the number of artists involved, became a rewarding experience because everyone embraced the shared vision.
“There was no competition, only collaboration. Every artist understood that this wasn’t about one individual; it was about representing Eswatini together,” he said.
The single was produced by N Kay and DJ Navie, whose production combines contemporary hip-hop with traditional Eswatini sounds to create what Young Zesh described as a powerful and inspirational anthem.
As the release date approaches, Young Zesh has encouraged supporters in Eswatini and across the world to stream, download and share the song, expressing confidence that Umliba Loyembili will not only inspire national pride but also introduce Eswatini’s musical talent to a wider international audience.
(Courtesy Pic)
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