Salukazana artist gets warrior name at royal kraal ceremony

Lobamba – Sancheziey, the rising Swazi cultural artist behind the Salukazana brand, has undergone the traditional kubutseka ceremony, receiving the warrior name Gandz’ Umjono at the KaMgadlela Engabezweni Royal Kraal on April 12, 2026.

The ceremony, which the artist described as one of the most significant moments of his life, marked a new chapter in his journey as someone who has built a career around preserving and celebrating Swazi culture through music.

Speaking about what the experience meant to him, Sancheziey said the process went far beyond a cultural formality. “As a Swazi traditional artist who writes and sings cultural songs, undergoing Kubutseka is more than just a rite of passage, it is a deep spiritual and cultural awakening. It connects me directly to my ancestors and strengthens the authenticity of my music. It gives my voice truth, because I am no longer just singing about tradition, I am living it,” he said.

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The artist said an inner calling drove his decision to go through the process. “What inspired me to go through this process was the calling I felt within myself. As someone who represents Swazi culture through music, I knew I had to fully immerse myself in our customs. I wanted to understand, respect, and embody the journey that many before me have taken, so that when I create, it comes from a place of truth and experience,” he said.

His warrior name Gandz’ Umjono was earned through the dedication he showed during kukhemanti and kugiya. “Taken from the effort and commitment I showed from kukhemanti and kugiya is the reason behind the name, with thus, putting an effort in everything I do has been the centre of every small and big achievement I’ve earned as the brand,” he explained. He added that the name now forms a sacred part of who he is. “The name I received there as a warrior is a sacred part of my identity. It reflects my character, my journey, and the spirit I carry. I hold it with great honor and respect.”

Becoming a member of the Umbutfo has changed how Sancheziey approaches his life and his craft. “The journey since becoming Umbutfo has been powerful and humbling. It has brought discipline, pride, and a deeper sense of identity. I now carry myself with more responsibility, knowing that I represent not only myself but my people and my culture. It has also influenced my music in a profound way, giving it depth, strength, and purpose,” he said.

He said he intends to honour the customs of the journey through everything he does going forward. “To maintain the Swazi customs of this journey, I commit to living by the values I was taught, respect, discipline, unity, and cultural pride. I will continue to educate others through my music, preserve our traditions, and remain grounded in the teachings of our elders,” he said.

Sancheziey took time to publicly thank the Babukisi Foundation, who documented the ceremony. “I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Babukisi Foundation for taking the time and effort to beautifully capture the special moments of my Kubutseka cultural activity. Your dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail truly mean a lot to me. Through your work, these meaningful memories have been preserved in a way that I will cherish for years to come. Thank you for your support and for helping to celebrate and honor such an important cultural occasion. Your contribution did not go unnoticed, and I am deeply grateful,” he said.

Away from the ceremony, Sancheziey is preparing for a performance at the MoMo Experience on June 27, an event he regards as another major step for the Salukazana brand. Known for his culture-triggering sound, he has previously performed at platforms including the Mlawula Campfire Festival and says the MoMo Experience, with its mix of local and international audiences, represents the kind of broader stage his work has been building towards.