Eswatini-born DJ and producer Lethumusa Simelane is set to release his debut album, LETHUMUSA, on October 23, bringing together Afro House, 3-Step and Amapiano in a project shaped by self-discovery, faith and a celebration of local musical talent.
For Lethumusa Simelane, music has always been a journey of growth, but the decision to create his debut album marked a new chapter in his career. After spending years making music without committing to a full-length project, the DJ and producer decided it was time to challenge himself and bring his different influences and experiences together into one body of work.
Titled LETHUMUSA, the 12-track album reflects a period of personal growth, as the artist explored his identity, strengthened his relationship with Jesus and reconnected with his Swati roots and heritage. These experiences also prompted him to reflect on what he wants his music to represent.
“I’ve been making music for a while and hadn’t set my mind to making an album before. For me to grow in my music career, this was a challenge I had to take on,” he explains.
The project became an opportunity to bring together different parts of his life, allowing his personal journey to influence his creative direction. Rather than simply putting together a collection of songs, Lethumusa set out to create a project that reflects who he is and the values that shape his artistry.
Identity sits at the centre of the album, influencing both its sound and the creative decisions behind it. The process required him to look inward, experiment with his production and become more open to working with other artists.
“My identity is the running theme for this project. Looking inwards and being honest with myself, this was a huge creative force for me,” he says.
Having worked on the album over two years, Lethumusa describes the experience as one that has helped refine his sound. The process allowed him to explore his creative limits while embracing new ideas and collaborations, resulting in a project that brings together Afro House, 3-Step and Amapiano.
Beyond his personal journey, LETHUMUSA is also a celebration of Eswatini’s creative community. All 12 tracks feature local artists, including Nelly Noll, Pretty Hle, Mzwaa, Msimisi, Lyrikal Busta and others. For Lethumusa, the decision to work exclusively with Eswatini artists was deliberate, driven by his appreciation for their work and his desire to showcase the country’s musical talent.
He explains that many of the artists featured on the album were musicians he had admired for their individual creativity and the work they were doing to build their own careers.
“I wanted to create a project that celebrated our artists and showed the world how great we are,” he says.
By keeping the collaborations local, Lethumusa also wanted the album to remain rooted in Eswatini, both culturally and creatively. He hopes the project will encourage more collaboration within the country’s creative industry and inspire artists to recognise the possibilities that exist when they work together.
The album follows an intimate listening session held in July and has since gained further creative momentum through Lethumusa’s selection for a mentorship programme facilitated by the African Rising Music Conference in partnership with the German Embassy. The programme has provided an opportunity to further develop the album’s artistic vision and its accompanying release content.
As LETHUMUSA reaches its official release, the focus shifts to sharing the music with new audiences. The album’s release will be accompanied by the official music video for BAMBELELA, featuring Hapkoo, Umzi and Pretty Hle, offering listeners a visual introduction to one of the project’s collaborations.
Looking ahead, Lethumusa is eager to see how the album connects with listeners and the opportunities that may emerge from its release. Even as he prepares to share this milestone with the world, he has already begun putting together his next project.
Ultimately, however, the album carries a meaning that goes beyond musical growth or career milestones. For Lethumusa, faith remains central to the journey and the work itself.
“Lastly, for God to be glorified, this album would not exist if it weren’t for the grace and blessings I’ve received in the creation of the album,” he says.
With LETHUMUSA, Simelane offers a reflection of his growth as an artist and an individual, while placing Eswatini’s talent at the heart of his debut. The project is both a personal milestone and an expression of pride in the creative community he calls home.
