Eimsofly

Wave riding allegations addressed by Emsohigh

Posted on by Feejo

Dolly, is the name of a sheep that came to be known as the first successfully cloned mammal in 1996. Could Manzini based rapper Emsohigh be the “Dolly” of Eswatini Hip-Hop?

Emsohigh ruffled up some feathers when he released his music video called Baby I’m Sorry (Official Music Video) in April of 2021. This was mainly because of the rapper’s name having a startling resemblance to a more established Manzini based rapper, Eimsofly who has quite a large following in Eswatini. Aside from performing at major events such as Hipnotik, Eimsofly has worked with heavyweights in the local music scene such as Diba Diba.

For years Hip-Hop has frowned upon mimicry or wave riding as it is often called. The most recent memory of cloning in Hip-Hop was when rapper Gucci Mane was released from prison in 2016 looking healthier and much more defined than his previously chubby look. Believers of the clone conspiracy were quick to suggest that Gucci Mane had been cloned while in prison. Clones in the music industry can manifest themselves in various ways aside from the scientific method, there’s also what we refer to as wave riders; artists that try to be a carbon copy of an already successful artist. American rappers Rod Wave and Murray have been low key beefing over the startling similarities in their melodic rapping styles. Tampa Bay native Rod Wave was first to reach global recognition with his chart topping album SoulFly. However Murray’s rise in popularity prompted Rod Wave to suggest that record labels who had attempted to sign him but failed were now “cloning” him by signing artists that resembled his look and rapping styles. A more audacious form of wave riding came from South African rapper SOS, famously known for his alter ego Big Xhosa who released multiple diss tracks in 2021 taking shots at almost everybody in the South African Hip-Hop scene.

In this instance, Emsohigh found himself tagged as a wave rider of an artist from the same town who just so happens to have already reached national levels of success. When reached for comment, Emsohigh clarified that he has been using his monika since 2014 when he started making music. He did mention that he came to know of Eimsofly after he had already started rapping, ironically Eimsofly has a hit song called Know My Name (Official Music Video). After getting Emsohigh’s response to the wave riding allegations one can only wonder if it is fair that the local hip-hop community has labelled Emsohigh as an Eimsofly wave rider.

Be sure to check out Emsohigh – Baby I’m Sorry ft. Queen K , who is Emsohigh’s childhood friend. The song was produced by Esq Holygrail Records. You can also peep Eimsofly’s recently released song called Ngavulek’ Emehlo produced by AOS.

Moves in Diaspora: Uncle Waffles PLUS Bholoja and Eimsofly’s international collabs

Posted on by Feejo

As an independent Eswatini entertainment media house we have to take note of accomplishments from Eswatini creatives even from those outside of the usual Hip-Hop scene which is our primary focus.

Hence it goes without saying that kudos has to be given to Uncle Waffles, the latest internet sensation from Eswatini currently scaling new heights within the global entertainment scene. The female Dj’s newly found success came after Canadian rap legend Drake followed Uncle Waffles’ instagram page. Over the past few weeks Waffles, real name Lungelihle Zwane has been a topic of conversation both online and offline for all the right reasons, be it delivering stellar performances at clubs across Africa, linking up with stars such as Riky Rick OR being verified on Twitter. Waffles’ verification on Twitter was imminent as clips of her spinning decks garner millions of views on the social media platform where she’s close to reaching a hundred thousand followers.

The 21 year old DJ is a familiar face within the Eswatini entertainment scene as she came into the limelight in 2018 after being featured on the Swazi Bride Magazine, she also regularly featured her DJ sets on renowned online media house Jelele Studios. However due to a hectic schedule those days seem to be in the past for Uncle Waffles. Judging by the support Uncle Waffles has gained within a short period, it has become quite obvious that she is destined for the stars and the ordinary Eswatini entertainment fanatic can’t help but take pride in her achievements inspiring as they are.

Another notable achievement over the past few weeks is Eswatini country music legend Bholoja being featured by producer Sun-El Musician on his latest EP African Electronic Dance Music (AEDM). Mbongiseni “Bholoja” Ngubane is probably the most successful Eswatini musician of the modern era as he’s enjoyed success for over a decade even receiving an invite to perform at a White House event from former American President Barack Obama at some point in his career.

South African house music maestro Sun-El Musician is equally successful in his own right as he’s produced career launching hits for the likes of Simmy and Azana. On AEDM, the two creatives collaborated on the songs Amateki& Esibayeni.

Another international collaboration came from Life Time Music Empire’s collaboration with Notsew who hails from Tampa in Florida, USA. The song is called Big Dreams Empty Pockets, it features LTME founder Eimsofly & NR as well as Notsew while AOS handled the production. Interestingly Notsew spits a vernacular rap at the start of his verse, some witty banter on the recent civil unrest we witnessed in Eswatini recently.

A rapper of note from the Tampa area can be none other than Rod Wave who recently released a chart topping album called Soulfly in 2021. This collaboration between LTME & Notsew bridges the gap between local and international hip-hop and will surely be good for all artists involved in the song in terms of exposure and expanding their respective fan base.

Top 5 Clothing Brands made in Eswatini

Posted on by Feejo

The sale of locally made clothing has been on the rise over the past few years, every day we are introduced to a new clothing line making waves on Instagram.

Streetwear is the term that fashion experts use when referring to the brands we’ll be discussing in this article, these local brands have managed to produce highly desirable clothing that would compete in the fashion world, maybe even outshine renowned designer brands such as Luis Vuitton, even if you are a staunch supporter of designer clothing, there’s no denying that these so called fringe brands are increasingly becoming more mainstream.

1. Touch of Soul (TOS)

When Touch of Soul (the man), a DJ born in Eswatini and based in Durban launched his TOS clothing line during his time at graduate school, little did he know that in a few years his brand would be a front runner in the merchandise game.

Touch of Soul has been quarterbacking the phenomenal rise of local clothing brands for a few years. TOS has managed to penetrate the international market, South Africa in particular and product placement opportunities on music videos of internationally renowned stables such as Afrotainment amongst others have made Touch of Soul (TOS) a highly reputable and desired brand in Southern Africa and the number one clothing brand on the list of Top 5 Clothing Brands in Eswatini.

Touch of Soul has managed to host a plethora of successful activation events in Durban where thousands of revellers were drenched in TOS merchandise and has partnered with SwaziJive for the Touch of Swazi collaborative clothing release. His latest endeavour is a mentorship program in partnership with Standard Bank which aims to empower aspiring clothing line owners with the skills on how to run a successful clothing business.

2. Mark Swag

Walking on the streets of Eswatini, particularly urban settings such as Manzini and Mbabane, you’re bound to come across youths wearing roundneck T-shirt with the words Mark Swag stylized across the chest.

Mark Swag epitomizes consistency with regards to local clothing brands, having been introduced to the masses in 2014 the brand has remained at the hearts of emaSwati for the last six years. Mark Swag pieces are minimal and modern which is an ideal look for urban streetwear but they’re also able to accommodate the adult, so if you are a varsity student or a father of three Mark Swag can be a part of your style.

3. MBO

Renowned Eswatini club Dj Mbo successfully launched his Mbo merchandise in 2014 and received a warm reception from the local market. Credited for producing a high quality product especially on his kalob hats range which is highly durable and doesn’t wear during washes, MBO looks set on making a mark beyond the world of music.

Aesthetically, the MBO brand can be identified by the M letter branded in a shoe lace inspired font.

The secret to MBO’s success in penetrating the local market was in making his product as easily accessible as possible. It is easy to get one’s hands on MBO clothing as the DJ has it available for sale in one of the most frequented retailers at Sneakers Edition, a store that is the Eswatini equivalent of Footlocker.

4. Baby Juice

Established by Makhonkhosi Keith Mndzebele, Baby Juice is probably the most coveted local clothing brand amongst Hip Hop heads in Eswatini. Baby Juice was recently credited for wardrobe and styling on the music video of Close Friends by EscoWxrldwide. On its list of notable accomplishments is a recognition from the cotton king Riky Rick, who is considered to be one of the best dressed males in the South African music industry. Baby Juice scored an invite to the Cotton Fest, an event themed by music and fashion organized by Riky Rick.

Baby Juice items are characterized by minimalistic designs hence making it the ideal brand for regular everyday wear. In terms of build, quality and materials, Baby Juice is at designer level, their no frills designs will have you wearing Baby Juice all the time.

5. S’Grand Ngabo

Established in 2017, S’Grand Ngabo, a SiSwati statement highlighting independence and a strong sense self reliance. This aptly named brand is a regular feature on local Hip Hop music videos as it has been endorsed by local rappers such as Jurie, and Eimsofly who was styled by S’Grand Ngabo clothing for his Fall Over music video.

Most of S’Grand Ngabo designs are bold statement pieces, however they also have low-key items an introverted fashionista would die for.

We love this brand because it successfully combines humour and style in its branding, plus their items are just really cool.

There are plenty other local brands offering top quality products in Eswatini such as Konkhe Kuhamba Kahle (KKK), Spenede, Hleze etc. However the Code268 top five clothing brands in Eswatini list was compiled based on brand popularity; ability to penetrate the market and product availability. All of which are the benchmarks for a successful clothing brand. Africa is filled with plenty of success stories in regards to fashion, we do hope streetwear designers from Eswatini will one day be able to rub shoulders with accomplished and seasoned fashion experts from Africa and beyond, be it Rich Mnisi or Virgil Abloh.

Eimsofly is in it for a Lifetime

Posted on by Feejo

By (@iamfeejo)

Having paid his dues and proven himself to the local Eswatini hip-hop scene, it is with great pleasure to welcome our star of the month of May 2020, Eimsofly.

On behalf of Code268 I had the honor of conducting a telephonic interview with the Lifetime Music Empire rapper. It is not everyday that we get to talk to one of most prolific rappers in Eswatini. With all of his accolades, content, and achievements at my disposal such as gracing festival stages like the iconic Hipnotik Festival. I had one question which had been yearning for a response from Eimsofly for years, why would he leave SwaziJive, the iconic label behind the Hipnotik festival at the height of the stable’s existence.

I was not confident that Eim would respond to my interview request but I decided to chance it and luckily he agreed. I had been longing to interview him because of his staying power, this is one artist I have witnessed grow from his Monique’s Room days to more recent hits like Know My Name and my personal favorite Fall Over. This is how the rest of the interview unfolded.

Code268: What’s up bro, just to begin. Years ago, when you were recording your first few songs like About You. Projects like 18 Hour mixtape. Did you ever imagine you’d at some point in your career be where you are right now?, working with the finest talent in the country and getting nominated for SWAMAs?

Eimsofly: Haha, well its been a while, but I always knew I would get here. I just try to not let negative comments bring me down. I feel like I haven’t done much though, there’s still a bigger picture ahead.

Code268: By the way, your new truck YDBH with Eskae Amigo is fire bro. https://www.slikouronlife.co.za/song/128777/ydbn?fbclid=IwAR0wZZy_o24d4QhZPMm6g1pNLLAKtvYigcMRbkrhoIXJtzWMZk1xVqcOSoI There’s obviously a huge difference between how you sound now on songs like YDBH and how you sounded back then on your first few projects, which song would you say marked a turning point in your music career?

Eimsofly: Thanks for the compliment fam. Me and Eskae are blood, we might not be grinding on the same spot since his move to S.A but the bond will always be there and it shows in the music. My breakthrough was probably with the song I released in 2016, called Know My Name. The streets still rock with that song heavy till this day. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UMUnYLmCRc4

Code268: Quick question, what inspired you to put Rigby & Mordecai on the cover art of YDBH? Lol.

Eimsofly: Lol, well me and Eskae are a menace bro. If you know the cartoons then you’ll notice how those niggas are always hanging out together and up to no good, and its the same thing with me and Eskae with this music ish.

Code268: Your latest endeavor was the Quarantine Concert 2020. The pandemic has hindered a lot of musicians’ plans, do you think such concerts/ideas are the future of music?

Eimsofly: A lot of people love and live music. Such ideas are essential during these times, and its been good for teaching us other ways artists can use to market their brands.

Code268: Any likelihood of local musicians getting money from these streaming concerts, I mean locally we are still struggling for views. Any ideas on how to engage more people and increase the number of people tuning in locally?

Eimsofly: I noticed that local internet service providers such as MTN have on going bundle specials so yea, it is possible to increase the streams. But as for getting paid, we as artists are hoping social media platforms will come up with means to get artists paid.

Code268: Now you’ve pulled some major moves in the game. At some point if I recall you were signed or linked to SwaziJive, can you explain that situation bro and why you opted to leave in the end?

Eimsofly: I feel like that story is old and dated now, there’s nothing much to be said about it now. But I’ll say that Swazi Jive remains one of the best record labels in the country in my opinion, and I can only wish them the best.

Code268: Bless up bro thanks for doing this interview, we appreciate you at Code268. Good luck with everything, you’re a positive dude bro I been rocking with you since day one.

Eimsofly: Thanks for the opportunity fam. More life.

You can check out Eimsofly’s Lockdown freestyle https://www.instagram.com/p/B-wOvtjnYez/?igshid=1jkjgtnp1zks9 , plus be on the lookout for the Quarantine Concerts 2020.