Eswatini artist Sancheziey recently achieved a significant milestone in his music career when his song Siyabonga Gogo debuted on South Africa's Metro FM. The song, which pays tribute to grandmothers and their role in families and communities, has given Sancheziey a platform on one of South Africa's biggest radio stations. This debut has been an emotional experience for Sancheziey, bringing back memories of the journey, sacrifices, and people who supported his dream.
Sancheziey described hearing his own voice on Metro FM as a moment that made him realise that a story born from Eswatini could travel far beyond the country's borders. He expressed that it was one of those moments where words almost fail him. Hearing 'Siyabonga Gogo' on Metro FM was bigger than just hearing his song on the radio – it felt like hearing a piece of Eswatini being welcomed into a much bigger space. This moment has made Sancheziey reflect on the uncertainty that often accompanies an artistic journey.
The song Siyabonga Gogo was not conceived simply as another song, but as a musical expression of gratitude to the women who have quietly shaped generations. Sancheziey said the idea was inspired by the desire to acknowledge grandmothers, whom he described as storytellers, teachers, protectors, and keepers of tradition. For Sancheziey, the word "Gogo" carries a much deeper meaning within African families, representing the grandmother who wakes before everyone else, carries the family through difficult seasons, and passes history from one generation to the next.
Sancheziey explained that the song was built around the question of what would happen if people stopped waiting for special occasions before expressing gratitude to those who had shaped their lives. That question ultimately became Siyabonga Gogo, his way of thanking the women who raised, prayed for, guided, and gave roots to generations. The character represents the grandmother who plays a vital role in preserving family history and tradition.
The Metro FM debut has also shifted Sancheziey's perspective on what his music can achieve. He believes the exposure has reinforced the importance of remaining authentic rather than changing his sound to fit into a bigger market. Sancheziey said that Metro FM has expanded his vision, and there is something powerful about seeing a song that is deeply rooted in Swati culture reach a platform of that magnitude.
Sancheziey added that the experience has told him that authenticity is not a limitation; it can actually be his passport to the world. He said his ambition is not merely to become known in Eswatini and South Africa, but to introduce audiences across Africa and beyond to Swati stories and sounds. Sancheziey aims to share Eswatini's rich cultural heritage with a broader audience.
Sancheziey hopes that his music will inspire others to appreciate and celebrate their cultural heritage. He believes that by staying true to his roots and culture, he can create music that resonates with people from different backgrounds. With Siyabonga Gogo's success on Metro FM, Sancheziey is one step closer to achieving his goal of sharing Swati stories and sounds with the world.
Key points
- Sancheziey's song Siyabonga Gogo debuted on Metro FM, marking a significant milestone in his music career.
- The song pays tribute to grandmothers and their role in families and communities.
- Sancheziey believes that authenticity is key to his music and aims to share Swati stories and sounds with a broader audience.
