Mabonwa Abulawe Records has opened a casting call for 10 young women to feature in the official music video of Giya, the recently released cultural anthem by Young Zesh featuring Princess Buhlebetive.
The record label is inviting young women across Eswatini to take part in the casting process by creating and posting videos on TikTok using the official Giya sound. The initiative is intended to give young women an opportunity to become part of the visual representation of a song that celebrates Eswatini’s culture, identity and the annual Umhlanga (Reed Dance) Ceremony.
In a call to aspiring participants, Mabonwa Abulawe Records said it was specifically looking for 10 ladies who could bring energy, confidence and creativity to the official music video. “We are looking for 10 ladies to feature in the official music video of ‘Giya’ by Young Zesh & Princess Buhlebetive! Ladies, this is your chance!” the record label announced.
Those interested in participating have been encouraged to use the official Giya sound on TikTok and create their own videos. “Use the official ‘GIYA’ sound on TikTok, create your best video, and post!” the label said.
The selection process will focus on the videos that attract significant attention while also identifying participants who stand out through their creativity and presentation. “We’ll be watching the most-viewed and standout videos, and 10 ladies will be selected to appear in the official music video!” Mabonwa Abulawe Records said.
The label also encouraged participants to make the videos an expression of their identity and connection to the song’s cultural message. “Show us your energy. Show us your beauty. Show us your Swati pride. GIYA! GIYA! GIYA!” it said.
Produced by DJ Navie and released under Mabonwa Abulawe Records, the song brings together contemporary Hip Hop and traditional Swati musical elements. Its central theme is the Umhlanga Ceremony, an annual cultural event that attracts thousands of unmarried young women from across the Kingdom.
Through the song, Young Zesh and Princess Buhlebetive seek to create a modern musical interpretation of the cultural celebration while appealing particularly to younger audiences.
For Young Zesh, the song was deliberately created to bridge contemporary music and traditional culture. In a recent interview, the artist described Giya as a cultural Hip Hop anthem celebrating the beauty, pride and heritage associated with Umhlanga.
“Giya is a powerful cultural Hip Hop anthem that celebrates the beauty, pride, and heritage of Eswatini’s Umhlanga (Reed Dance) Ceremony,” he said.
The artist explained that the production combines modern Hip Hop with traditional Swati sounds in an effort to create music that feels relevant to today’s generation while remaining rooted in the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.
“Blending modern Hip Hop with authentic traditional Swati musical elements, the song creates a fresh sound that connects today’s youth with one of the Kingdom’s most treasured cultural celebrations,” Young Zesh said. 
