By Bahle Gama
It is every artist’s dream to be known and recognised internationally for their art and as an individual and Eswatini’s very own musician Mvelo Tsabedze is no different.
Stage name ‘Mvelo’, the musician stated that one of the major things she is working towards is dropping the ‘local artist’ title as she climbs her way to the top.
She is known for performing in several events around the country including the House Music Fest and has had the pleasure of doing so in neighbouring countries including Lesotho where she performed at an all-White party dubbed the Music Festival alongside Mandisa Mamba and DJ Cup in December 2022.
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Mvelo has also been featured in EPs and songs with artists such as Neapolitan Soul, DJ Cup, and Zwile and has further performed alongside the likes of Velemseni, Floewe as well as Abianna from Ghana. The 24-year-old has been in the industry for two years and has already skyrocketed and showcased her talent within and outside Eswatini.
In an interview, Mvelo expressed how much she loves her craft, and the growth she sees for herself is incomparable. And her inspiration emits from various people from different walks of life as she believes that being true to oneself is one of the hardest things to do, especially in a world that tells everyone to be otherwise.
In response to what her genre is, she stated that she is yet to determine which genre she falls under as she deems herself versatile.
“Having been in the industry for two years, I am a very versatile musician with that being my stand, I am yet to say I have a specific genre. However, I have been in the house music scene, I believe with new music yet to come, I will have the direction I need,” she said.
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When asked to share her thoughts on the country’s entertainment industry, she stated that she believes artists are a long way from having a fully functional and stable space industry.
“I will say though that if we all work as a collective in the industry to build each other up, there is a possibility for growth and improving the space,” Mvelo said.
Mvelo describes herself as a very passionate artist, very expressive, and believes in a lot of things and people, “which I believe allows me to put into perspective and draw a colourful picture of the world and human rights and mostly equality through my music.”
She stated that she believes a lot in representation and mostly in the saying that adults should aspire to be the grown-ups they needed as children.
“For me, representation is being my true self, and being consistent in anything in order for anyone who finds themselves through my truth, as an artist and individual, they at least find comfort,” she said.
She further describes herself as quite loud and very opinionated and oozes a lot of passion.
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In terms of her dreams and aspirations, she stated that at some point in every person’s chosen career or profession, they want to see themselves portraying their fullest potential.
“For me, I would love to remove the ‘local artist’ title before my name,” she emphasised. She also wishes to build an orphanage and an art school for troubled children.
She further advised upcoming artists to always have fun whilst trying to figure out their path and most importantly, “make sure you know the reasons why you’re doing what you’re doing. I would also say taking things slow is the best way to make sure you do not lose your way.”
