BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE – A fresh sound, soulful melodies and a powerful African expression come together as Eswatini-born artist Sarnilo unveils her latest offering, “Sekuphelile,” setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in her musical journey.
The singer, songwriter and rapper is back to captivate music lovers with her second single of the year, a beautifully crafted Afrosoul and neo-soul release that celebrates growth, acceptance and the courage to embrace what comes next.
“Sekuphelile,” meaning “it is done” in siSwati, explores the closing of a chapter and the freedom that comes with accepting that some seasons must come to an end before a new one can begin.
The much-anticipated single will be available on all major streaming platforms from Friday, 31 July 2026.
Rather than simply focusing on the end of a relationship, Sarnilo uses the song to explore the beauty of moving forward, finding peace and making room for new beginnings.
Born Samketi Ntando Dlamini, Sarnilo has steadily carved out a distinctive space for herself within Eswatini’s evolving music scene. Her artistry is shaped by her Swati and Malawian heritage, with her music drawing from both cultures and incorporating languages including siSwati and Chichewa.
Her sound moves comfortably across soul, R&B, hip-hop, reggae and house, while her music is recognised for its soulful vocals, honest storytelling and alternative African influence.
Sarnilo’s musical journey gained momentum through collaborations with established Eswatini artists including Mzwaa, Velemseni and Qibho Intalektual, before she stepped forward with her debut single, “Okondana,” featuring Sibu Manzini in 2023.
She followed this with her debut seven-track EP, “Chifunilo,” released in September 2023. The project featured songs such as “Sindikumva,” “Okondana,” “Conscious” and “Hoodbrat.” The title Chifunilo, a Chichewa word meaning “the will of God,” further reflected the influence of her multicultural background on her artistic identity.
Her catalogue continued to expand with collaborations including “Addict” featuring Mzwaa, “Time” featuring Touchline and “Don’t Be Shy” featuring Nana, among other releases that contributed to her evolving sound.
In 2025, Sarnilo released her six-track EP “Makuhwalala,” featuring “Light Off,” “Addict,” “Bad,” “Don’t Be Shy,” “Time” and “Different Dimensions.”
She has continued to build momentum into 2026, recently featuring alongside Grixxly and Young Zesh on “Garments,” released in July.
Now, with “Sekuphelile,” Sarnilo is once again allowing her music to speak to the experiences that shape everyday life.
The new single is built around warm, jazz-inspired harmonies, emotional melodies and delicate electric guitar passages, creating a rich and soulful soundscape.
The song was composed by SAMA Award-winning producer Yazeed Salie, also known as Salie Sousa, alongside guitarist and composer Sihlangu Sibiya.
Their collaboration gives the track a polished musical identity, blending sophisticated jazz influences with contemporary neo-soul and African sounds.
Predominantly performed in siSwati, the repeated phrase “Sekuphelile” becomes the emotional centre of the song, reflecting the moment when one embraces change and understands that moving forward can be just as powerful as holding on.
For Sarnilo, the release represents more than another addition to her catalogue. It is another opportunity to showcase her ability to combine music, language, culture and storytelling into an experience that connects with listeners.
With her distinctive voice and genre-fluid approach, Sarnilo continues to establish herself as one of Eswatini’s exciting emerging musical voices, while steadily expanding her footprint within the Southern African music landscape.
“Sekuphelile” arrives as a celebration of new beginnings, personal growth and artistic evolution – and another indication that Sarnilo is only getting started.
(Courtesy Pic)
