Eswatini’s music scene continues to show signs of growing digital reach, with Young Zesh’s patriotic collaboration ‘Umliba Loyembili’ surpassing 31 000 views on YouTube and recording a further 13 000 streams on Spotify.
Released on July 24, 2026, the song was created by Mabonwa Abulawe Records as a collaborative project bringing together several Eswatini artists.
The growing numbers on the two major digital platforms have given the song a strong online footprint since its release.
‘Umliba Loyembili’ blends hip-hop with traditional Eswatini musical influences, with the project centred on themes of national pride, unity, courage and resilience.
Speaking about the song, Mabonwa Abulawe Records founder and chief executive Young Zesh said the project was inspired by his love for Eswatini, its history and the strength of its people. 
“Umliba Loyembili is more than just a song; it’s a movement. The inspiration came from my love for the Kingdom of Eswatini, our history, and the strength of our people.
I wanted to create an anthem that reminds every listener that we come from a nation built by fearless warriors,” he said.
Young Zesh said his childhood exposure to stories about Eswatini’s late kings and the warriors who defended the Kingdom influenced the direction of the song.
Although the country has changed over the years, he said the spirit of resilience associated with previous generations remains relevant to emaSwati today.
The song also sought to demonstrate the potential of collaboration within the local music industry by bringing artists from different backgrounds together on one record.
“I also wanted to bring artists from different backgrounds together on one record to prove that unity is our greatest strength.
This song is about standing together, just like our forefathers did,” Young Zesh said. The artist said the song’s central message is built around strength, unity, courage and national pride, with the current generation being compared to the warriors who served under Eswatini’s late kings.
He said the message extends beyond music, encouraging people pursuing different ambitions to remain resilient in the face of challenges.
“Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, student, or someone chasing a dream, the song reminds you to remain strong because greatness is built through resilience.
We are descendants of warriors, and that spirit still flows through us,” he said.
The recording brought together numerous artists, a process Young Zesh described as memorable despite the logistical challenges of coordinating the contributors.
“Creating ‘Umliba Loyembili’ was an unforgettable experience. Bringing together so many talented artists wasn’t easy, but everyone understood the vision from day one,” he said.
According to Young Zesh, the contributors put collaboration ahead of individual recognition, with each artist bringing their own style while remaining committed to the overall message of the song.
The track was produced by N Kay and DJ Navie. Young Zesh said their production helped create an energetic sound while incorporating traditional Eswatini elements alongside contemporary hip-hop.
He described the collaboration as an experience characterised by professionalism and mutual respect. “There was no competition only collaboration.
Every artist understood that this wasn’t about one individual; it was about representing Eswatini together,” he said.
The musician said the song’s growing digital audience demonstrates the potential for locally produced music to reach listeners beyond Eswatini through streaming platforms.
He thanked the artists who participated in the project and supporters who have contributed to its growing audience.
“I want to thank every featured artist for believing in this vision and making history with me,” Young Zesh said.
He encouraged music lovers in Eswatini and abroad to continue streaming, downloading, sharing and requesting the song as the project seeks to reach a wider international audience.
Young Zesh described ‘Umliba Loyembili’ as a song representing dreamers, fighters and people proud of their identity, while expressing hope that its message of unity will continue reaching new audiences.
“Let’s show the world the power of Eswatini music and prove that when we stand together, we are unstoppable just like the warriors of our great Kingdom,” he said.
