Eswatini eco-heritage duo Bheki & Sanele are set to release a new single, Simbayiyane, on Friday, 6 November, using their distinctive sound and cultural influences to address the painful reality of mob justice.
According to a press release issued by the duo, the song will be available on all digital music platforms and confronts the reality of people being judged and beaten without proof.
Simbayiyane, which means mob justice, explores the consequences of taking the law into one’s own hands, raising questions about humanity, justice and how society responds to accusations.
“This song holds a mirror to our society. It asks: where is our humanity when we become the judges?” the duo said in the press release.
Known for their distinctive eco-heritage approach to music, Bheki Nhleko & Sanele Simelane create instruments from recycled waste, combining sounds made from upcycled materials with powerful Swati harmonies.
According to the press release, the new single brings together raw, earthy rhythms, soulful SiSwati call-and-response and a message of healing rooted in Eswatini’s heritage.
Ahead of the official release, the duo will host a listening session on Thursday, 5 November, at Yini Loku Art Space from 6PM to 7PM. The session will give audiences an opportunity to experience the song ahead of its release.
The duo’s work has also recently been featured on Green Talk, a podcast by the Climate & Environment News Network. In an episode titled When Music, Nature and Spirituality Collide, Bheki Nhleko and Sanele Simelane discuss their connection to nature, their use of recycled materials to create musical instruments and how indigenous sounds can carry environmental messages.
During the conversation, Bheki also shares his spiritual vision of the Earth in crisis and how it has shaped his understanding of humanity’s relationship with nature. The episode features their environmental song, Kumnandzi Kuba Yimvelo.
The podcast feature further highlights the duo’s approach to music as a way of communicating messages that extend beyond entertainment.
Bheki & Sanele have performed at platforms including MTN Bushfire and Tinganekwane, as well as in South Africa and Mozambique. Through their performances and creative approach, they continue to bring together music, environmental awareness and cultural expression.
With Simbayiyane, they turn their attention to another pressing social issue, using their music as a platform for protest, reflection and healing.
The project is made possible by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade through the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), and curated by ESWACOS, according to the press release.
