BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MBABANE – Fast-rising Afro-fusion artist MCO Jamrock is turning viral fame into a serious musical statement with his upcoming seven-track EP, Indvodza Imali, while veteran musician Ziyawa ka Zitha has urged him and other emerging artists to let their craft grow before rushing to release music.
MCO Jamrock, whose real name is Christian Mcolisi Nkambule, unveiled the project during an intimate listening session at American Corner, giving music lovers an opportunity to hear the EP and understand the stories behind its songs.
The project combines Afropop, dancehall, hip-hop and reggae, showcasing the young artist’s versatility while maintaining the sound and identity he has been developing since his breakthrough.
“I am very excited about this project because every song has a story behind it. I wanted people to listen to the music, but also understand where the songs come from and what I am trying to say,” said MCO Jamrock.
The listening session allowed the artist to take attendees through all seven tracks, explaining the inspiration, messages and experiences behind the music.
Listeners engaged with the project by asking questions and sharing their thoughts, with the meaning behind MCO Jamrock’s lyrics emerging as one of the major talking points.
His journey to this point began with a freestyle that went viral on TikTok and Instagram, attracting millions of views and putting his name in front of a much wider audience.
He later strengthened his profile by finishing among the Top Three winners of the MTN Bushfire Firefly competition.
However, veteran musician, multi-instrumentalist, DJ and producer Ziyawa ka Zitha, born Mduduzi Matsenjwa, believes viral moments should be matched by patience and preparation.
Speaking at the listening session, Ziyawa congratulated MCO Jamrock for his work while encouraging upcoming artists to resist the pressure to release music simply to remain visible.
“Artists should not be in a hurry to release music. Take your time, perfect your craft and make sure that when you put something out, you are proud of it,” he said.
Ziyawa said building a sustainable career requires more than consistently dropping songs, urging artists to understand their talent and continuously improve their craft.
He also highlighted the growth of Eswatini’s music industry, saying emerging artists now have more opportunities to showcase their work and connect with audiences than previous generations.
“We are seeing a music scene that is growing, and that is something we should celebrate. Things were much harder for us back in the day,” he said.
For MCO Jamrock, Indvodza Imali represents growth, but the listening session also demonstrated the importance of connecting with listeners beyond the stage.
“I believe Indvodza Imali shows growth for me as an artist. I have put a lot of myself into these songs, and I am looking forward to seeing how people connect with the project,” he said.
With a viral freestyle behind him, seven songs ahead of him and advice from a veteran ringing in his ears, MCO Jamrock appears ready to turn his next move into a lasting musical journey.
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