Eswatini’s six-time award-winning artist Lyrikal Busta has teamed up with South African hitmaker Intabayasedubai on a new single titled Mtukulu, a song celebrating African heritage, nostalgia and the connections that bring people together.
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The collaboration blends Swati and Zulu musical influences, using storytelling and familiar family experiences to highlight the power of music to connect people across generations and national borders.
Mtukulu celebrates the bond between generations
Meaning “grandchild” in siSwati, Mtukulu draws inspiration from the relationship between an elderly man and his grandson.
At the heart of the song is a touching moment in which the older man repeatedly asks his grandson to play a particular song, as each listen takes him back to cherished memories.
The narrative reflects the role music plays in preserving personal histories, keeping cultural traditions alive and creating connections between younger and older generations.
Through this relatable family story, Lyrikal Busta and Intabayasedubai explore how music can become a bridge between the past and present.
Lyrikal Busta highlights African unity
For Lyrikal Busta, the collaboration also carries a broader message about unity among Africans, particularly at a time when divisions continue to affect communities across the continent.
“I wanted to create a song that brings people together, especially at a time when we are reminded of the divisions that exist between Africans,” says Lyrikal Busta.
Mtukulu reflects shared experiences, treasured memories and the connections that remain despite differences in background or nationality.
The artist says working with Intabayasedubai reinforces the song’s message by showing how music can celebrate cultural differences while highlighting the things people have in common.
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A collaboration that bridges Swati and Zulu cultures
The partnership brings together two artists from neighbouring countries whose musical identities are influenced by their respective cultural backgrounds.
Rather than blending these influences into a single sound that loses their individual character, Mtukulu allows Swati and Zulu elements to complement each other.
The result is a collaboration that celebrates cultural identity while demonstrating how music can create common ground between people from different communities.
Lyrikal Busta believes African artists have a responsibility that extends beyond entertainment, using their platforms to tell their stories, preserve their heritage and influence how people understand one another.
“With Mtukulu, I wanted to make something that a young person can enjoy today, but that can also take an older person back to a special moment in their life,” he says.
“That connection between generations is what makes the song meaningful to me.”
Blending hip hop, Afro-fusion and amapiano
Sonically, Mtukulu showcases Lyrikal Busta’s versatility, drawing from Swati-rooted hip hop, Afro-fusion, Afrobeats and amapiano.
His melodic rap delivery, accessible hooks and African storytelling help shape the single’s identity, while Intabayasedubai’s contribution strengthens its South African influence.
The combination creates a sound rooted in cultural familiarity while reaching beyond one musical tradition or national border.
With its focus on family, shared memories and African heritage, Mtukulu positions music as a powerful tool for cultural expression and connection, bringing Swati and Zulu influences together in a celebration of what unites people.
Featured image: Supplied
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