BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI – From the realities of growing up in Ngculwini to the pursuit of love, growth and musical independence, 25-year-old Mndeni Khumalo, known as Mnd3nii, is using his life experiences to shape his sound in Eswatini’s music scene.
Blending hip-hop with Afro-pop, the upcoming artist began his musical journey in 2016 alongside his friend and producer Mangie Ritchie. What started as a shared dream has developed into a journey of learning, recording and finding his own creative direction.
Mnd3nii draws inspiration from artists such as Emtee, Mnqobi Yazo and Nomfundo Moh, but he is also working towards a sound that reflects his own experiences. He has invested in personal recording equipment, allowing him to produce his own beats and experiment with music, often collaborating with his friend Young Ink.
His development has also included working with LTME Studio and Tus at Emadlelweni Records, where he has continued building his skills as both a vocalist and producer.
Now, his attention is on Thilili, an upcoming single he describes as a personal project centred on love and growth. The song is being produced at Emadlelweni, with Mahlubi Hits Beats behind the instrumental and MaDee expected to feature.
Although the release date has not been confirmed, the single is expected to be available on YouTube and other major digital music platforms. The track follows Winner, his previous collaboration with Ndakes, and represents another step in his effort to grow as an artist while exploring different sounds and collaborations.
Looking ahead, Mnd3nii hopes to work with more established Eswatini musicians, including Histo. His ambitions extend beyond his own career, as he also wants to encourage other upcoming artists to remain committed to their craft.
His advice to those starting out is simple: “Take time and never give up. Nothing is impossible.” For an artist who began pursuing music nearly a decade ago, the journey remains one of patience, learning and turning everyday experiences into something people can hear and relate to.
#Mnd3nii #Thilili #EswatiniMusic #SwaziHipHop #AfroPop
(Courtesy Pic)
