Stop the scrolling. You’ve reached the energy centre of Eswatini’s entertainment scene: Gcwala Crush.
This is where the Times of Eswatini drops the names you need to know, the faces you need to follow and the talent that’s about to blow up. Forget the global headlines for a second, this feature is 100 per cent focused on the young stars, the creative disruptors and the cultural forces within our kingdom who are making noise and building empires.
And this week’s pick just shared the stage with a literal music legend. She effortlessly blends the rhythms of Soul with the raw truth of Hip Hop and recently rocked the stage with a global music icon.
Meet this week’s Gcwala Crush: Sarnilo. Born from a Malawian mother and a liSwati father, Sarnilo’s music is birthed from this beautiful paradox of identity.
This multicultural background influences her lyrical themes and eclectic musical style, allowing her to speak to a wide range of experiences, a quality that truly sets her apart in the regional music landscape.
Her artistry proves that the most resonant voices are often those shaped by multiple homes.
Why did Sarnilo become our focus this week? Because she just unlocked a career milestone that few artists, established or emerging, ever reach: an impromptu performance with a legendary Grammy Award-winning artist, Wyclef Jean.
The global icon, renowned as a founding member and lead producer of the Hip Hop trio The Fugees, was fresh off a celebrated set with Lauryn Hill at the DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival in Johannesburg.
Later that evening, during an intimate jam session hosted by Kujenga at The Artistry, Wyclef surprised the room with an impromptu guitar performance.
What followed was a spontaneous 10-minute burst of soulful improvisation, blending her powerful voice with Wyclef Jean’s iconic guitar sound.
Full article available in our publication.
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