“They’re finally hearing us!” That is the feeling behind Eswatini musician Sancheziey’s latest milestone as his song Sawubona Gogo receives recognition from South African podcast Music Pulse.
The recognition came during this week’s episode of the popular platform, after Thakgi brought the song into the discussion, leaving the Swati artist overwhelmed by the significance of the moment.
For Sancheziey, this is not just another shout-out. It is a full-circle moment. 
The musician revealed that back in 2023, during one of the darkest periods of his life, he spent time watching content from MacG’s channel as a way of escaping reality while battling depression.
At the time, he never imagined that one day his own work would be discussed on a platform within the same entertainment space.
“Back in 2023, when I was going through depression, I was watching everything on MacG’s channel just to get through the day and escape reality. I never thought one day my work would be part of a discussion on such a platform,” said Sancheziey.
The recognition, he said, has left him “really touched and humbled”, especially because Sawubona Gogo has grown beyond being just a song and has become part of important family celebrations.
“I extend my sincere gratitude firstly to the families that played the song now and then in their union, and for him Thakgi to go and raise it in Music Pulse is everything,” he said.
Rather than resting on the achievement, Sancheziey says the recognition has given him even more reason to push forward.
“This comes as a reason to press on even harder because Heaven keeps on leading my way with light, grace and truly His plans and timing are perfect,” he said.
The next target is clear, South Africa. Sancheziey says the Salukazana family is working towards entering the South African market, with the recent recognition giving them confidence that they are moving in the right direction.
“The plan for the Salukazana family is getting to the SA market sooner than tomorrow,” he said.
He believes that having Sawubona Gogo recognised across the border is a sign that Swati music is ready for a bigger audience.
“So if we are getting such shout-outs, we can see that we are in the right spot and SA soon enough will be jamming to what is called Swati music,” said the artist.
However, for Sancheziey, taking Swati music into South Africa is about much more than expanding his personal brand. He sees it as an opportunity to represent Eswatini, its culture and its traditions.
“Much as we are excited about it, we also know that it’s a challenge, a beautiful one cause as we go out of the country, this won’t be about us but about the country and its traditions,” he said.
That responsibility appears to be at the heart of his ambitions. The artist wants his music to travel, but he also wants it to carry something distinctly Swati wherever it goes.
His journey, he says, is proof that dreams can survive even the toughest seasons.
“To every African child, it is all possible keep dreaming,” Sancheziey said.
“If one needs a story of motivation, my life is.” He added.
The musician also expressed his gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the journey of Sawubona Gogo, particularly the families who have embraced the song, as well as Thakgi, the Music Pulse production team and the wider MacG family.
“I further humble myself in appreciating the whole Music Pulse production team, Thakgi, and the whole MacG family. Thank you for seeing my work!” he said.
