By Nosipho Mabuza (Intern)
MAFUCULA– With a mission to offer unique music, Memorie eNDee shares his journey.
Nqobizwe Dlamini, known on stage as Memorie eNDee, is carving out his own path in Eswatini’s music scene with a mission to bring fresh, distinctive sounds to his fans. Hailing from Mafucula, this Amapiano artist is determined to offer something different in a landscape he says is dominated by hip hop.
“I started doing music when I was in Form 3 at Mafucula High School,” he recalls. “What inspired me to do Amapiano was that in Eswatini, most artists focus on hip hop but very few do Amapiano. I wanted to bring unique music to my fans.”
His stage name itself carries personal meaning. Born Nqobizwe Memory Dlamini, “Memory” is literally on his birth certificate, he chose to stylize it as Memorie eNDee, with “eNDee” standing for his initials, N.D.
Growing up in Mafucula has been a major source of motivation. “The community gave me the power to keep going,” he says. “People like my music and they always give me feedback, even if sometimes it’s opposite reaction. It just makes me stronger.”
For Memorie eNDee, music is more than entertainment; it’s a personal and emotional journey. “My music is all about giving my audience strength to face life. I want people not to blame themselves for how others react to their art. My songs explain what’s happening in my life and the hardships I’ve been through. They reflect my dedication to continue with this journey.”
When planning new tracks, Memorie takes an introspective approach. “I sit and remember what happened in the past or think about where my life will be in a few years. I find a way to address that in the song I’m writing. I even write about funny moments with my family or those close to me. I also look around the globe for catchy moments to write about.”
Though he’s not yet a producer himself, he collaborates closely with Guetto Villah, a Kasie Rap artist who creates beats for him while Memorie crafts the lyrics and vocals.
He also draws inspiration from industry giants such as Young Zesh Mabonwa Abulawe, Sintour, eMTee da Hustler, Mr Kangaroo, and DJ Citie NTM. But his biggest role model in the genre is Young Stunna. “He’s the one who really inspired me when I switched to Amapiano,” he says.
Memorie eNDee has been steadily building his performance resume, gigging at local taverns and bars around Mafucula. He has performed at venues such as eMasofeni Bar, Maintenance Wine and Molt, and on the day of this interview he was preparing to perform at KaLomkhehle (Nozwelo Beer Hall). He has also had the chance to appear on UNESWA FM Radio for a podcast performance, a moment he says he will never forget.
“Amapiano music is being taken seriously now because it’s trending,” he notes optimistically. “Soon it will start paying harder.”
He’s urging fans to stay tuned for his next big release: a brand-new Amapiano banger titled Spani, set to drop on 30 June.
Memorie eNDee’s story is one of authenticity, community pride, and unshakable commitment to making his mark with a sound that’s both personal and powerfully danceable, a testament to the evolving and diverse music scene of Eswatini.
(Courtesy Pics)
