Eswatini’s six-time award-winning artist Lyrikal Busta joins forces with South African hitmaker Intabayasedubai on “Mtukulu”, a new single that brings Swati and Zulu musical influences into conversation through a shared celebration of African heritage, nostalgia and togetherness.
“Mtukulu”, meaning “grandchild” in SiSwati, takes its inspiration from the bond between an elderly man and his grandson. In the song’s central narrative, the older man asks the younger one to play a particular song repeatedly, drawn back to treasured memories each time it plays. It is a familiar family moment that speaks to music’s ability to preserve personal histories, bridge generational divides and keep cultural traditions alive.
For Lyrikal Busta, the story also provided an opportunity to make a statement about unity through collaboration.
“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. ‘Mtukulu’ is about our shared experiences, the memories we carry and the connections that remain, regardless of where we come from. Working with Intabayasedubai reinforces that message because music gives us a way to celebrate our differences while recognising what we have in common,” says Lyrikal Busta.
The collaboration brings together two artists from neighbouring countries whose musical identities are shaped by their respective cultural backgrounds. Rather than diluting those differences, “Mtukulu” allows them to complement one another, demonstrating how music can create a shared space for expression without losing the character of the cultures from which it draws.
“It’s important for us as African artists to understand that our music can do more than entertain. We can tell our stories, preserve our heritage and influence how people see 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. That connection between generations is what makes the song meaningful to me,” he adds.
Sonically, the single reflects Lyrikal Busta’s versatility, drawing from Swati-rooted hip hop, Afro fusion, Afrobeats and Amapiano. His signature blend of melodic rap, accessible hooks and African storytelling gives the record its identity, while Intabayasedubai’s contribution strengthens its South African connection. The result is a collaboration grounded in cultural familiarity, with an appeal that reaches beyond a single audience or border.
ABOUT LYRIKAL BUSTA:
Born Thandolwethu Manzemvula Masuku in Mbabane, Eswatini, Lyrikal Busta grew up surrounded by music. His father’s vinyl collection introduced him to recorded music, while his mother’s church choir nurtured his early appreciation for melody and harmony. Those formative experiences, combined with his love for hip hop, shaped the fluid interplay between singing and rap that has become a defining feature of his sound.
His career highlights include “Dance For Mi”, which reached number one on the EBIS 2 Top 20 chart and won Best Music Video at the MTN SWAMAs, and “Bantfwabami”, which introduced him to a wider South African audience through Ligwalagwala FM and music television channels including Channel O and MTV Base. His Mbabane To Jozi EP, featuring “Bavumile” and “Imali” featuring Zakwe, further strengthened his presence across the border.
His relationship with Intabayasedubai has also continued to develop through music. Lyrikal Busta featured on the South African artist’s “365 Days”, which has accumulated more than 1.5 million views on YouTube and gained traction across social media. “Mtukulu” builds on that connection, placing their collaborative chemistry in service of a broader cultural message.
“Mtukulu” is available on all streaming platforms
Listen to ‘Mtukulu’ here: https://open.spotify.com/track/2Q4BRStxY3HWBWdFDPUq5t?si=iAnCkuhVQDKNDmJVhxZaJA&utm_source=copy-link&rowId=37fe087371b0f4ea
