Y GCWALISILE MHLABANE
NCABANENI– Persie Zwide Losonkondlo, whose real name is Celimphilo Mkhatswa, has emerged as one of Eswatini’s most dynamic young voices in spoken word and music.
At only 21 years old, he has been captivating audiences with performances that blend poetry, rhythm, and heartfelt storytelling, setting a new tone for the nation’s creative scene.
Originally from Ncabaneni, near Luyengo, Persie moved to Mbabane in 2020, where his passion for poetry began to take form. He said his artistic journey was inspired by renowned local poets such as Pitch Deep, Buhle de Poet, and Deep Mujo, whose work encouraged him to find and refine his own voice. Through this influence, he began merging poetic expression with music, delivering messages of hope, reflection, and empowerment.
Persie’s career officially began in 2021 with his debut recorded poem “Angivalelisanga.” Working with only a phone studio, he demonstrated that creativity could thrive even under limited circumstances. His perseverance paid off, especially after a challenging period in 2022, when his progress was briefly halted due to his assistant’s illness.
By 2023, Persie had made a strong comeback with his acclaimed EP “TINHLUNGU,” a seven-track collection that delved into emotional and social themes. Tracks such as “Umjolo Waseskolweni” and “Lova” quickly became favourites among fans, earning him recognition in the local creative community. The EP, recorded at African Passion Records and mastered by Deep Mujo and Pitch Deep, focused on the importance of making thoughtful life decisions — a message that particularly resonated with young audiences.
Since then, Persie has performed 18 times and released five EPs, a remarkable accomplishment for an independent artist still establishing his platform. Despite this success, he has remained grounded and focused on his aspirations. He shared that one of his biggest dreams is to collaborate with Poet Amandla and perform on the Mabonwa Abulawe stage, describing such an opportunity as “a fantastic dream come true.”
Looking ahead, Persie is preparing to release his next project, titled “Siphefto,” in January 2026. The upcoming nine-track EP will include collaborations with Buhle de Poet, Lichakazi, and Umsheli, with production once again led by Pitch Deep.
For Persie, poetry goes beyond art — it is a reflection of life, love, and personal growth. With unwavering passion and purpose, he continues to build a name for himself as one of Eswatini’s most promising poetic storytellers, representing a generation unafraid to use creativity as a force for connection and change.
(Courtesy Pic)
