BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
HLANE- From the humble streets of Hlane emerges a young musical gem whose star is fast ascending in the local entertainment scene.
Mlungisi Sikhondze, better known by his artistic moniker Tiaspecialiq, is steadily carving his niche as one of Eswatini’s most promising Amapiano, Hip Hop, and AfroPop sensations. Born and bred in Hlane, Tiaspecialiq began his academic journey at Dlal’sile National Primary School. It was during these formative years that his natural artistry began to shine. Regularly taking to the stage at events such as speech and prize-giving ceremonies, the young performer effortlessly captivated audiences with his talent and charisma.
His musical voyage traces back to grade 5, when he encountered fellow pupil and budding producer Shakes Aj, then in grade 7. The duo wasted no time experimenting with sound, leading to the production of “Push Up,” Tiaspecialiq’s first recorded track. The overwhelmingly positive reception from peers and community members emboldened him to pursue music with renewed determination.
Over the years, he expanded his craft, experimenting with Hip Hop until fate introduced him to Tykoon, an Amapiano DJ and producer, and son of the legendary Reverend Elias Shongwe, founder and lead singer of Shongwe and Khuphuka Saved Group. Tykoon played a pivotal role in ushering Tiaspecialiq into the Amapiano wave, culminating in the production of his debut Amapiano EP titled “Ngizom’thola.”
This September , Tiaspecialiq is set to thrill his growing fan base with a new AfroPop single titled “Ubona.” This track promises to fuse heartfelt storytelling with irresistible rhythm. While he embraces Amapiano, his musical soul remains deeply anchored in Hip Hop and AfroPop genres, reflecting his influences from South African heavyweights such as Musiholiq, Mnqobi Yazo, Sjava, and Big Zulu.
Looking ahead, the young artist envisions collaborations with notable Eswatini talents, including Young Zesh and Lyrikal Busta, as he continues to expand his sonic horizons. His music is already available on streaming platforms such as Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube, granting him a steadily widening audience beyond Eswatini’s borders.
For bookings, Tiaspecialiq can be found on Facebook as Tiaspecialiq the Artist, and on Instagram as @Tiaspecialiq. He is also reachable via calls or WhatsApp at 78416594 or 79397971.
With the unwavering support of his brother Mbuyiselo S. Sikhondze, Tiaspecialiq has graced various media houses, including UNESWA FM, where he continues to share his journey of resilience, talent, and ambition.
In a world where passion fuels greatness, Mlungisi “Tiaspecialiq” Sikhondze is not merely chasing a dream, he is living it. With each note he sings, the horizon looks brighter, and the anticipation for his upcoming hit “Ubona” only adds to the excitement surrounding this talented artist.
(Courtesy Pics)
