BY NELIWE NGUBANE (INTERN)
MBABANE– From the quiet hills of Buhleni in the Hhohho Region to festival stages beyond Eswatini’s borders, Thabiso Ndwandwe is steadily building his name as a professional DJ and music producer. Known for his Afro house and 3-step sound, Ndwandwe is among a new wave of artists reshaping the local music scene.
Raised between Tshaneni and Mayiwane, where he completed his high school education, Ndwandwe grew up surrounded by music. His grandfather and father played a key role in shaping his passion, with his father recognised as a local maskandi legend. His late uncle, a tavern DJ, also exposed him to the world of decks and live performance at an early age.
It was during his university years that Ndwandwe took his first serious steps into music production and DJing. However, breaking into the industry was not easy. At a time when Amapiano dominated, his choice to focus on Afro house and 3-step proved challenging, as audiences were unfamiliar with the sound.
“Building a brand with a different sound was difficult,” he says. “But I believed in it.”
Today, his persistence is paying off. Performing under the brand “Obsession,” Ndwandwe has gained recognition both locally and internationally, earning festival bookings and growing a loyal following. While he says his life has not drastically changed, he values the steady growth and exposure his work continues to bring.
Faith remains at the centre of his journey. Ndwandwe credits prayer and his mother’s unwavering support as the driving forces behind his resilience. “I believe my journey is in God’s hands,” he says.
Despite his progress, he admits to being misunderstood, particularly by event promoters who sometimes view his careful approach to business as arrogance. For him, protecting his brand is essential.
Looking ahead, Ndwandwe hopes to expand his reach globally, securing bookings beyond Africa and inspiring young musicians from rural communities.
His message is clear,stay true to your craft, remain humble, and never stop pushing.
#HumanInterest #AfroHouse #EswatiniMusic #DJLife #Inspiration #FromRuralToGlobal #StayFocused #LocalTalent
(Courtesy Pic)
