In July 2024, Lyrikal Busta dropped his single Bavumile, a song that would become a manifestation of wins for many of us. Bavumile is a song about achieving your dreams even in the midst of naysayers and detractors trying to lead you astray . This is an experience we all have had. Since its release, Bavumile has garnered over 7 700 streams on YouTube and over 6 100 streams on Spotify.
On Thursday, 13th February, the music video for Bavumile debuted, bringing the song’s message vividly to life. Helmed by Director Kwenu of Motion Skies Pictures, the video is deeply rooted in Lyrikal Busta’s origins, with scenes filmed in Msunduza affectionately known as Skom in Mbabane, Eswatini. The opening sequence sets the tone at John Wesley Methodist School, where Busta faces down criticisms of Hip Hop and his career, visually represented by placards wielded by onlookers.
The narrative then shifts to a celebratory mood, portraying Busta enjoying a feast surrounded by a loyal crew of friends and family. The video is punctuated with notable cameos, including Eswatini YouTube sensation Banele W.J.L.M., Hip Hop veteran KRTC, and rising artist Young Zesh, among others, adding layers of local pride and community to the production.
This video release couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment, as Lyrikal Busta gears up for the launch of his highly anticipated extended play , Mbabane to Jozi. We had the chance to catch up with the Eswatini star to dive deeper into the creative process behind Bavumile and the exciting journey leading to his forthcoming album.
Interview with Lyrikal Busta
Q: You recently released the visuals for Bavumile, a track you dropped back in July last year. What inspired the decision to release the video nearly seven months after the song’s debut?
A: Greetings, Miliswa. I truly appreciate this platform. Yes, we dropped Bavumile in July last year, and the decision to release the video now is a crucial step in our rollout plan for Mbabane To Jozi. This move plays a significant role in our mission, Swati Music To The World.
Before dropping the video, I had set personal goals, one of which was to collaborate with artists beyond Eswatini. First, I was featured in renowned South African vocalist Lwah Ndlunkulu’s music video Maye, then again by the award-winning Intabayasedubai on a song called 365 Days. That paved the way for the Bavumile music video. Timing is everything, and we felt this was the perfect moment, just a week before the release of Mbabane To Jozi.
Q: In the Bavumile video, you included scenes shot at Msunduza, specifically at John Wesley Methodist School. Why was it significant for you to incorporate visuals from the area where you grew up?
A: Yes, we shot part of the video in Msunduza, my hometown, where I grew up and made some of the best memories of my life. It was important for me to pay homage to my city, Msunduza, Mbabane, because they’ve supported me from day one. We also believe that before we can take over the world, we must first build a strong foundation at home. That’s why representing Mbabane visually and musically is a priority for me.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative vision for the Bavumile music video? What story or message were you aiming to convey through the visuals?
A: The creative process behind Bavumile was an exciting one. We worked with Eswatini’s finest videographer, Director Kwenu, and other talented creatives like Krtc, Tiyas, and Banele WJLM, just to name a few.
Our vision was to promote unity within Eswatini’s creative space. I strongly believe that for Eswatini to make a global impact in entertainment, we must stand together and support each other. The Bavumile video is a reflection of that belief.
Q: What do you love most about Mbabane, and how do you plan to reflect that in your music and videos?
A: I love Mbabane with all my heart. Some of the best moments of my life happened there. That’s why my latest project, Mbabane To Jozi, is inspired by my love for Eswatini’s capital.
Almost all my music videos are deliberately shot in Mbabane. It’s not just about nostalgia, it’s about promoting the city and, by extension, putting Eswatini on the map.
Q: In 2023, you released AfroBliss, an album that showcased your exploration of Afro-soul, marking a shift from your earlier work. What can fans anticipate from your upcoming project, Mbabane To Jozi?
A: I appreciate you mentioning AfroBliss! That project was my debut album, released in 2023. But I’d have to disagree with the idea that it marked a shift in my style. Lyrikal Busta has always been about diversity and experimenting with different sounds. To prove that, we can go back to award-winning records like Dance For Me and INumber, which fall under dancehall and Afrobeats, respectively. So, genre diversity has always been part of my DNA.
For Mbabane To Jozi, fans can expect a no-skips Hip-Hop EP featuring some of the finest acts from Eswatini and South Africa: Zakwe, Anzo, Young Zesh, and Haem O. This project is also a special dedication to my day-one hip-hop supporters, who’ve been patient with me while I explored different sounds. After three years of not releasing a hip-hop track, I felt it was the right time to give back to the culture.
Q: Artists in hip-hop often face criticism when venturing into new sounds. Did you encounter any pushback after releasing AfroBliss? If so, how did you handle it?
A: Not really. My music is about delivering a message and I see genre as just the mode of transport for that message. Whether it’s hip-hop, Afro-soul, or dancehall, the essence of my message remains the same.
Because of my choral music background in high school, I’ve always seen myself as more than just a hip-hop artist. I’m a musician first, and I constantly push myself beyond my comfort zone. So, experimenting with sounds isn’t something new—it’s part of who I am.
Q: Bavumile seems to hold a lot of personal meaning for you. What inspired the song itself, and how does it connect to your journey as an artist?
A: That’s a beautiful question. Bavumile is the soundtrack of my life right now. I’ve faced so much backlash, whether from family or friends, because of my career choice. But no matter how bleak things seemed, I kept my eyes on the prize and pushed forward. Moving to Johannesburg reignited my fire. I found myself in spaces with people I’ve always looked up to and been inspired by. That was confirmation for me that I’m on the right path. The only way I can describe it is through the phrase: “Labadzala bavumile” loosely translated, “My ancestors have given me their blessing.”
Q: You’ve been consistent in representing Eswatini through your music. How important is it for you to maintain that connection, even as your career expands into new markets like South Africa?
A: I’ve been in the game for almost ten years, and representing Eswatini has been an incredible journey. Our motto has always been “Swati Music To The World” and that will never change. Even in South Africa, my approach isn’t about adapting to their sound or culture. It’s about bringing OUR sound to the world. My goal is to make sure that when people hear my music, they immediately recognize it as Swati music: distinct, authentic, and global.
Lyrikal Busta is an artist meticulous about his vision and musical style. His passion for taking Eswatini music to the world remains at an all-time high. A true patriot at heart. His longevity in the game speaks for itself, with four SWAMA Awards and two SD Hip-Hop Awards to his name.
With Mbabane To Jozi dropping this Friday, one thing is certain, he’s delivering a sound that refuses to be boxed in and a legacy that echoes “Swati Music To The World.”
And if there was ever any doubt about his path? Well—labadzala bavumile!
Listen to Bavumile here:
Presave Mbabane to Jozi: https://orcd.co/MbabaneToJozi
