MBABANE – Local Producer, Livin SZ has produced a new EP with South African Afro-Soul sensation Simmy.
The project features Siy’nkanyezi, One More Time and Bawo, with Livin SZ. Born Bongumenzi Kevin Mkhonta, serving as core producer and co-writer across all three songs. The release follows Simmy’s recent Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) appearance, where she revealed that she had worked with a local producer but could not disclose the details at the time.
For Livin SZ, the project marks an important step in his growing regional career. The Siteki born producer has built a profile by mixing electronic, organic and Southern African sounds, including producing Monateng for Black Motion after they discovered his work on Instagram. “I felt overwhelmed because Simmy is someone I always look up to,” he said, describing the collaboration as a major opportunity.
The partnership came through South African producer Sun-El Musician, who connected Livin SZ with Simmy after hearing his work. They began working on the project in February this year, with the creative process taking about a month. Mixing took longer and was handled by Kenza, allowing the songs to receive further attention before release. Livin SZ also credited the collaboration for adding value to his journey and helping his work gain recognition outside the kingdom.
He recalled receiving praise from Nothando Hlophe, which he viewed as encouragement for his continued creative growth. The producer believes such cross border projects can create stronger links between artists and producers in the region.
Simmy, known for her fro-house, neo-soul and neo-folk sound, has earned several SAMA nominations and won Best Female Vocalist at the 2019 SADMA Awards. Her collaborations include Sonini and Ntabezikude. Reflecting on ‘eFairyland’ in True love magazine, Simmy welcomed the chance to work beyond her usual creative space. “There is so much talent across Africa,” she said, noting that working with a producer from the kingdom brought a fresh perspective while still feeling natural.
For Simmy, the project also showed how music can connect people despite borders.
She explained that the collaboration allowed her to experiment sonically and approach the music differently, while finding shared emotions through Southern African sounds. “Music does not need borders; we can come from different places and still understand the same emotion,” Simmy said.
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