Born and raised in Mbabane, Eswatini, Sibusiso Zungu grew up at Ekupheleni in Motshane, where he attended New Hebron Primary School before moving to Sigangeni High School and later Mbabane Central High School. Music has always been a central part of his life. Before pursuing it professionally, he served as a song leader in a church choir, which provided his first real experience of performing and connecting with audiences through music.
He officially started his music journey in 2018 by releasing his debut project, ‘The Parcel’ EP, under the moniker Parcel SWZ. Over time, the desire to evolve both personally and creatively led him to rebrand as Sibu Manzini. Reflecting on his trajectory, Zungu notes that moving from singing in a choir to establishing himself as a producer and performer has been an ongoing process of learning, experimenting, taking risks and finding his own distinct sound.
Today, Zungu operates as a multifaceted artist and producer whose career spans across Southern Africa. His current focus centers on crafting remixes for veteran icons such as Madala Kunene and Hugh Masekela, alongside contemporary talents like Mikhale Jones. He is also preparing his final extended play of the year, which features notable collaborations, while continually releasing fresh singles. Performance remains a core pillar of his schedule as he plans his own headline concert, The Sibu Manzini Project, designed to expand upon the conceptual stage production he delivered at MTN Bushfire.
When comparing his current artistic standing to 2020, Zungu highlights a profound shift in his technical mastery and self-awareness. “Making music isn’t as difficult as it used to be. Over the years, I’ve collected the samples and plugins that work for me, but more importantly, I’ve learnt how to actually use them and understand the concepts behind production. I know what I’m looking for when I start a song, and that makes the whole creative process much easier.” Rather than simply attempting to generate tracks, he now operates with a firm grasp of his identity as a creator.
Personal authenticity forms the bedrock of his character both on and off the stage. Zungu firmly rejects the creation of a separate public persona, choosing instead to remain grounded in his everyday interactions. “For me, what defines me is being human first. I don’t really separate Sibu Manzini the artist from Sibusiso the person. I’m the same person whether I’m on stage, in the studio, at an event or just going about my everyday life. I think it’s important for me to remain authentic and not create a different personality just because I’m in the public eye.” Professionally, he values creative freedom, refusing to limit his artistry to a single genre or rigid formula while maintaining a consistent sonic signature. He also emphasises the importance of treating individuals with respect regardless of social status or industry clout.
The journey has unlocked significant doors across the regional creative sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a phone call from DJ Mbuso praising his music paved the way for a subsequent invitation from DJ Ganyani to work in his Johannesburg studio. Subsequent collaborations followed, including recording with Velemseni on the track Hangover, partnering with DJ Shimza and Rendition, and working alongside NaakMusiq on ‘Bangathini’, which was distributed via Platoon. More recently, he released Memeta in collaboration with Bholoja. His work has garnered support from prominent figures including Black Coffee, Prince Kaybee, Vinny Da Vinci, Pascal Morais, Thakzin and Ciza. A notable milestone occurred when Thakzin incorporated his music into the lineup at Tomorrowland. Live performance has scaled to new heights, highlighted by an hour-long set on the Main Stage at the Luju Festival and a prime-time performance at MTN Bushfire. The latter featured a 32-piece ensemble comprising a conductor, a four-piece band and ten vocalists, marking a massive escalation in production scale. Looking ahead, Zungu is working on new remixes, collaborative projects and an upcoming release under Zakes Bantwini’s label. Navigating the economic realities of Eswatini requires a strategic mindset, and Zungu defines success not merely by financial accumulation or public recognition, but by the autonomy to pursue one’s passion while supporting those nearby.
“For me, success is being able to build a life around something that I genuinely believe in. It’s not only about money or recognition. Those things are important, but I think real success is having the freedom to pursue your passion, being able to take care of yourself and the people around you, and knowing that the work you are doing has value.” He actively uses his platform to involve other vocalists, producers and engineers in his projects, aiming to foster collective growth within the local industry. Consistency, patience and an openness to continuous learning underpin his steady ascent. Rejecting the temptation to measure his timeline against others, he maintains that perseverance through quiet periods is essential. Behind the public perception of an outgoing stage performer lies a surprisingly reserved and laid-back individual. Beyond Electronic Dance Music, Zungu has explored diverse sonic landscapes, collaborating with Velemseni on ‘Wakhetsa’ and Sarnilo on ‘Okondana’, and even playing professional football earlier in life, an experience that instilled core values of discipline and teamwork. Addressing the structural hurdles facing regional creatives, Zungu points to limited access to resources, industry connections and funding as primary obstacles for independent artists.
Overcoming these barriers has required him to venture beyond familiar borders, build meaningful cross-border networks and treat his art with rigorous professionalism. As 2026 unfolds as a year of confirmation and elevated performance standards, he encourages aspiring creators to begin with available resources, remain patient and treat their creative pursuits as legitimate careers.
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