MBABANE — As thousands of maidens (Imbali) answer the royal call and gather at the Ludzidzini royal residence to mark the commencement of the annual first leg of the Umhlanga Ceremony, a resonant soundtrack has captured the cultural pulse of Eswatini.
The hit track ‘Giya’, a collaboration between contemporary Hip Hop artist Young Zesh and Princess Buhlebetive, has emerged as a cultural anthem, dominating airwaves at the ultimate moment.
Airborne across the nation on the Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) radio station, the track captures the exact spirit of the ancient ceremony through a contemporary lens.
‘Giya’ is not just structured as music, but as an authentic artistic re-creation of the ceremonial commissioning of Imbali by His Majesty King Mswati III.
The track opens with the compelling voice of Princess Buhlebetive delivering a powerful summons: ‘Inkhosi inibitile mbali, tigodzi tonkhe atikhiphe imbali iphelele.’ (The King has called you, O Maidens; let all chiefdoms release every single maiden).
This opening phrasing mirrors the traditional proclamation made by the Indvuna Yembali (Leader of the Maidens) Vivane when announcing the King’s commissioning command.
The track’s momentum has been building since last year’s Umhlanga main day, where Princess Buhlebetive famously captivated spectators during her Kugiya (royal solo dance) to early renditions featuring the iconic chant, ‘Giya Zinyane!’.
Leave a comment