Ben Ndlovu (24), also known as Nandzi, is an upcoming Siswati trap musician, songwriter and producer based in Phola near Hazyview.

He prides of himself on his latest album with seven songs, called Kulihlata Tlaba, which dropped in April.

He said the album showcases his versatility as a vocalist. The album features two amapiano songs and the rest are trap songs.

“This album has cemented me as an upcoming musician. It boosted my career and encouraged me to keep doing my music and be proud of my Siswati language, which is what makes me unique. I currently have a music video for my hit single ‘iNajah’, which is also listed on the MTV Base Mega Hits Show.”

Something else that Ndlovu said proved his talent was winning an award recently in the Vintage Township Talent Show held in Shabalala outside Hazyview.

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His first song was released in 2018, titled “Rockstar Cover”.

“I did this song to encourage myself. I ventured into music in 2014. It was hard growing up in a village like Phola without support or positivity. There was no one to look up to. I have seen many people giving up on their dreams and talents in my community. My brother also died without releasing some of his music. This drove me to start my own recording label called Criminal Rec Music. I want to be the inspiration everyone needs in my village,” he said.

His goals include rubbing shoulders with music stars in the country and growing his unique African sound.

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“The Siswati language is often undermined, especially in the entertainment industry. I want to inspire more creatives to not be afraid to produce their crafts, whether music or poetry, in Siswati. I also want to work with more musicians across the borders of South Africa,” Ndlovu said.