BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
EZULWINI – In the heart of Ezulwini, a musical revolution is taking shape, driven by rhythm, storytelling, and collaboration. At the center of this wave is the Live Sessions, a platform where musicians gather to jam, create, and connect in a pressure-free atmosphere.
Founded by Sanele Simelane, the sessions fill a gap in Eswatini’s creative landscape.
“In other countries, you find spaces where artists meet, jam, and connect for future collaborations,” Simelane explains. “I saw that our musicians needed a place to come together and just create, without the stress of a formal gig.”
A COMMUNITY OF SOUND
Unlike traditional concerts, the Live Sessions thrive on spontaneity. Invitations spread via social media and word of mouth, with artists and audiences experiencing music as it is born.
Household names like Velemseni, Dusty & Stones, Thobile Makhoyane, and Bheki have graced the stage, while rising talents are given the spotlight alongside them.
“What makes the sessions special is that they are pressure-free,” Simelane notes. “Sometimes a jam session transforms into a song that can later be professionally recorded.”
For Ezulwini locals, the sessions bring high-quality live music closer to home, while young artists gain an invaluable platform to learn and grow.
CHALLENGES AND VISION
As momentum builds, sustainability remains a challenge. Funding and partnerships are needed to keep the sessions alive and growing.
“We’re passionate about the movement, but we need partners to sustain it,” Simelane admits.
YME TUNES PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHES IN OCTOBER
A breakthrough is on the horizon. Starting in October, the sessions will partner with YME Tunes, a Lesotho-based platform that empowers African artists through legal music distribution. Integrated with MTN MoMo, the platform will allow fans to purchase and download music instantly.
“This transforms each session from just a show into a launchpad,” says Kaunda Mdluli, YME Tunes’ Local Manager for Eswatini. “Artists can gain fans in real time and then guide them to buy their music, turning applause into tangible support.”
A CULTURAL MOVEMENT
With Simelane’s vision and YME Tunes’ innovation, the Live Sessions are evolving from a grassroots experiment into a cultural movement. Ezulwini is quickly becoming a hub for live music, collaboration, and authentic African sound.
The call is open for sponsors, partners, and musicians to join the journey and keep the rhythm alive. For artists and fans alike, the message is clear: this is more than music—it is a revival of African soul, right in the heart of Eswatini.
(Courtesy Pic)
