In a truly remarkable and unprecedented cultural moment, Princess Buhlebetive captivated audiences by performing her own song, Giya Zinyane, at the Shiselweni Umhlanga Ceremony held at Mbangweni Royal Residence.
The moment was a beautiful fusion of tradition and modern creativity, marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration between royal heritage and contemporary music production.
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The song — crafted by DJ Navie at Mabonwa Abulawe Record — stands as a testament to artistic unity. DJ Navie handled the recording, production, mixing, and mastering, while Princess Buhlebetive brought the track to life with her dynamic and soulful vocals.
The performance carried a modern flair while remaining deeply rooted in cultural expression, showing how the old and new can harmoniously coexist.
Videos of the Princess’s performance quickly went viral on social media, with Emaswati praising her creativity and courage in merging culture with music. The princess also danced to another track titled Mvelichanti, produced at Mabonwa Abulawe Record.
DJ Navie described working with Princess Buhlebetive as an unforgettable experience and a rare opportunity to collaborate with someone of royal lineage who remains “down-to-earth, focused, and respectful.”
“More than just creating music, the project connected two worlds, the streets and the palace — through sound and energy,” said DJ Navie.
“It was one of the most inspiring moments in my career.”
For Young Zesh, founder of Mabonwa Abulawe, the collaboration was not only a milestone but also a powerful statement of growth and recognition.
“Partnering with a member of the royal family elevated the brand’s credibility and opened doors to new audiences and opportunities,” he said.
“It underscored that consistency and dedication to one’s art can lead to extraordinary achievements.”
He noted that seeing the Princess perform Giya Zinyane on both days of the Reed Dance was “a ground-breaking moment that highlighted the beauty of cultural preservation through innovation.”
Young Zesh added that Princess Buhlebetive’s embrace of modern dance and music styles while honouring her royal heritage served as a shining example of how culture and creativity can blend seamlessly.
“Her performance was a celebration of Eswatini’s rich traditions brought vibrantly into the present day,” he said.
“This collaboration was a first-of-its-kind cultural milestone that united generations, genres, and communities.”
He concluded by describing the experience as a testament to unity, passion, and creativity.
“It showcased how respect and innovation can come together to inspire both Emaswati and the wider world.
The performance was truly special. Bayethe Wena Waphakathi!”
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