BEATS, BATTLES, THE FUTURE

MBABANE – The vibrant Hip-Hop scene of Eswatini has been making waves for years, does this mean the local rap industry needs more ‘beefs’ to stay alive? While some argue that controversy fuels engagement, others believe the genre’s survival depends on artistry and audience appreciation. Local rappers have shared their candid opinions on this matter, painting a vivid picture of the current state of Hip Hop in the kingdom.

Lyrikal Busta, one of Eswatini’s prominent voices in Hip Hop, strongly rejects the notion that orchestrated rivalries are a solution to the genre’s challenges. “Firstly, I would like to say that I strongly disagree with this. I think if there’s anything missing in the local Hip Hop genre, its quality music and a good audience to be presented to,” he said. For Busta, the essence of rap lies in using the platform as a tool to educate and entertain, not in manufacturing drama for attention.

“The biggest fight is feeding our families and actually building an industry, so trying to divide that would not do us any better”. Busta’s perspective emphasises the need for collaboration rather than division, calling for a stronger focus on creating impactful music. On the other hand, Sean Cast embraces the traditional roots of Hip Hop, which have often included rivalry and lyrical clashes. “The truth is, Hip Hop has been about that life. We grew up in an era knowing that Rap was a hardcore genre, and we loved it, especially the Rap battles,” he said.

Sean believes that beef, when done right, can ignite interest and create buzz, but he acknowledges the risk of personal conflicts overshadowing the art. The state of Eswatini’s Hip Hop scene is a polarising topic. For LK Baba, the genre is far from fading. He sees a resurgence of talent and enthusiasm, with both emerging artists and established names driving the movement. “I do not think the rap genre is dying at all, in fact, it’s having a great resurgence,” he said. He invites listeners to explore his music, particularly his track ‘Letakamdodi’ as an example of Hip Hop’s vibrancy in the kingdom.

Dominance

In stark contrast, Young Zesh paints a grim picture. “The genre is literally dying. People are not into rap anymore,” he claims. Zesh points to the dominance of genres like Amapiano and Shuni in the local music scene, suggesting that many rappers may need to explore new sounds to remain relevant. He further highlights that even across the border in South Africa, rap artists struggle to stay afloat in the evolving music industry. The debate over the necessity of ‘beef’ in Eswatini Hip Hop reflects broader challenges within the industry, including audience engagement, market dynamics and the genre’s cultural evolution.

While some advocate for unity and meaningful artistry, others believe that rivalry can be a valuable tool when wielded responsibly. One thing is certain: the Eswatini Hip Hop community is passionate, talented and determined to leave its mark. Whether through introspective lyricism, fiery battles, or experimentation with new sounds, the kingdom’s rappers continue to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a Hip Hop artist in 2025.

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