By Nosipho Mabuza (Intern)
LUDZELUDZE — In a country where creative ambition often battles limited infrastructure, one platform is boldly flipping the script.
Only Make Waves, co-founded by Msimisi Dlamini and Wandile Mawelela, is building powerful bridges between Eswatini’s artists and the global stage, and reshaping what’s possible for local creatives across music, fashion, and design.
“We built Only Make Waves not only to showcase Eswatini’s creativity,”
“But to create sustainable opportunities for artists to thrive both locally and globally,” expressed Dlamini.
At the heart of the platform lies an independent music label focused on electronic, ambient, and experimental genres—sonic landscapes rarely explored in Eswatini. Artists such as Nocktik, Nakiso, and Sir Rizio are featured alongside international acts like Sarandub (Ukraine), Bient. Am. I. (Mexico) and Sebee (UK).
Their releases are available on major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and Beatport, proving that Only Make Waves isn’t just local—it’s global.
Their event series, Sunsets, creates ambient, dub, and electronic gatherings that blur the line between art and experience. These curated live shows have also gained national radio presence, growing the brand’s influence across Eswatini’s entertainment scene.
Fashion is more than fabric for the platform—its cultural storytelling fused with sustainability. The Only Make Waves Merch line collaborates with local tailors, designers, and models. Notable collections like #WearTheEarth by Edenlines blend conscious design with African identity, promoting mindful fashion for modern Africans.
The platform’s in-house graphic design studio, Other Colors, develops branding and visuals for both in-house projects and select clients. It also mentors young creatives, adding professional development to its list of transformative efforts.
More than a brand, Only Make Waves is a creative ecosystem—merging disciplines, cultures, and industries. It provides not only visibility but viability for Eswatini’s emerging creatives. Through collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to culture, it proves that global impact is not reserved for big cities—it can start anywhere.
“From a small nation, global waves are being made— one song, one garment, one design at a time.”
Follow Only Make Waves
Website
Bandcamp
Contact: onlymakewaves@gmail.com
Media Inquiries: Msimisi Dlamini, onlymakewaves@gmail.com
