The Pioneer & Rising Stars of Eswatini Entertainment: Part 1 - Mthunzi "Shadow" Zwane

Crafting Eswatini’s Entertainment Evolution with Shadow. Miss N, and Phiwo Dhlamini Setting the Stage.

Ayanda Dlamini

The entertainment scene in the country is on the up, showing signs of recovery from the devastating effects of the Pandemic. This is in part, thanks to a blend of vision, passion, and drive, led by industry pioneers and emerging talents.

Mthunzi ‘Shadow’ Zwane, a true trailblazer with over 20 years of experience, has been a foundational force, shaping events and cultivating the scene through the iconic SwaziBoy Entertainment stable. Alongside him, two young leading female figures, Miss N Nokwanda “Miss N” Sibandze and Phiwokuhle “Phiwo” Dhlamini, are taking the spotlight, each bringing their unique flair to the scene.
Miss N, an award-winning entertainment journalist and PR expert, continues to advise, manage, and elevate Eswatini’s creative community.

Phiwo, the energetic MC of the MTN Bushfire Festival, is also empowering creatives through her platform, Culture Connect. Together, these three are not just shaping the present, but are driving Eswatini’s cultural and entertainment future forward.

ALMOST TWO
DECADES LATER,
SWAZIBOY STILL
STANDING TALL!

Mthunzi Shadow, the Essence of Eswatini Entertainment

Established in 2006, SwaziBoy Entertainment has been instrumental in shaping the local entertainment scene and influencing the careers of many Swati creatives.

The label is renowned for its commitment to discovering and nurturing talent, having launched the careers of some of the most influential DJ’s and artists in the industry. With a reputation for excellence and a deep connection to its cultural roots, SwaziBoy continues to lead the way in the entertainment industry, driving innovation and setting trends that resonate both locally and internationally.

Mthunzi ‘Shadow’ Zwane, sounds familiar? Yes, he is the main man behind this leading entertainment stable. Zwane is a business-minded individual who is passionate about arts, events and a team player who makes things happen and gets things done. His passion for music began when he started understanding music from a tender age.

“Music is a language and a lifestyle. The inspiration was inevitable as it was around us, we grew into it, and we couldn’t ignore the gap in the industry. And the house music influence came out massively at the time from the likes of DJ Christos, Oskido, Vinny DaVinci, and a whole lot more.”

Over the years, SwaziBoy has hosted numerous entertainment events, many of which have become some of the most anticipated in the country. Notable events include the iconic 24-hour Crossover parties, House Music Fest, The Market, Deep House Conversations, and Swazi Polo, among others.

SwaziBoy Entertainment has proven that its mission goes beyond simply making people have fun; it is also committed to discovering and promoting local talent. Several artists have flourished under their banner, with some making significant waves in the industry. These include the likes of DJ Crooks, Mistosoul, Wicked, Tempt, MBO, Ncwiki Flex, Lyrikal Busta, Fantacy, and many others, who have established themselves as brands in their own right.

Through initiatives like Kasi Tours, which unearths hidden talent, and Nex Generation, a platform for young artists, SwaziBoy has consistently elevated Eswatini’s entertainment scene. “We’ve created a healthy competitive environment where local artists can thrive and even compete with international acts,” Zwane explains.

Reflecting on industry shifts, Zwane notes that while house music once dominated, the rise of sub-genres like Gqom and Amapiano have broadened the musical landscape. However, he decries the quality of music being consumed at most events: “The quality of music in the clubs or at events has deteriorated, for the most part. People are no longer open-minded when going out to listen to and appreciate new music.

This has resulted in the quality of djs and events being compromised as people now want to listen to music they know or have at home or in the car – and people don’t dance anymore. The energy is lacking now. The scene has become more about creating social media content, instead of creating memories and taking in new music and experiences.

When it comes to the growth of the music industry, our neighbors, such as South Africa and Mozambique, are still ahead of us. However, the quality of our production has improved considerably, with producers like Mozaik and SubJamz leading the charge. They are setting a standard that can compete on an international level.”

SwaziBoy’s impact reaches beyond music, extending into various creative fields. In 2019, the company introduced the Eswatini Social Media Awards, which recognized local creative talent and businesses. These awards honored not only social media influencers but also entrepreneurs from diverse industries, promoting a culture of innovation. “These awards, more than just a celebration of Eswatini’s creative talents, have created a directory of the country’s creatives through the nomination process, offering valuable insights into the arts industry,” Zwane explains.

Over nearly two decades, SwaziBoy’s journey has had its share of highs and lows. “The highlights are the successful events, positive reviews, and the impact we’ve made in the industry. The downfalls? Working with unprofessional individuals who compromise our brand, and also, the inevitable financial losses we incur in some events,” Zwane admits.

For aspiring artists, his advice is simple: “No one is going to hand it to you. Work hard, be passionate, and be patient. Master your craft—it’s worth it in the end.”

For an entertainment stable that started out catering to the needs of their fun-hungry friends and peers, SwaziBoy remains committed to evolving with the times. Speaking about staying relevant with younger audiences, Zwane says, “We maintain the same energy and creativity we have always had and we ensure the spaces we create are inviting and safe. It’s not about chasing the old audience but welcoming the next generation.”

On the topic of reviving iconic events like the Channel O Crossover parties, he points to the House Music Fest (HMF) as a worthy successor. “With a partnership with international TV station, Trace, HMF is growing into a festival that draws international attention.”

If budget were no issue, Zwane’s dream event would bring together legends across genres: “FourPlay and Earl Klugh for an outdoor jazz event. For a house music event, it would be Incognito, and Louie Vega and the Elements of Life I would pick Mariah Carey and Adele for R&B, Kanye West and Lil Wayne for hip-hop, and Jimmy Dludlu for an Afro-jazz spectacle.”

Words of Advice…

“To upcoming DJs, producers, artists; no one is going to give it to you. Work for it; be passionate about it so you can produce the best. It takes time to master anything in general, so don’t expect fame and fortune over one appearance and think you’re the greatest. It takes sweat to get to the top and it’s all worth it in the end,” Zwane advises.