BREAKING THROUGH BORDERS:THEOTHERPERSON’S JOURNEY FROM SWAZILAND TO GLOBAL HIP-HOP

By: Ntombizodwa Dlamini I Mondays Mag Publications

For theOTHERperson, music is more than just an art form—it's a survival tool, a voice for the unseen, and a way to bridge cultures. Hailing from the small yet resilient kingdom of Swaziland, where Hip-Hop often takes a backseat, theOTHERperson's journey into music is driven by a hunger for self-expression and a deep desire to represent a narrative that’s often overlooked. His path wasn’t paved with easy access or mainstream opportunities, but rather shaped by struggle, resilience, and the determination to create something truly unique. From blending African rhythms with global Hip-Hop influences to crafting stories that speak to the heart, theOTHERperson is carving out a lane that is entirely his own.

From his humble beginnings in a country where Hip-Hop wasn’t the dominant culture, theOTHERperson crafted his own lane. A natural-born storyteller, he drew inspiration from everything around him—life experiences, the people he encountered, and the struggles he faced. His influences—like Kendrick Lamar, Nas, and the late Mac Miller—shaped his ability to weave intricate narratives through his music, always with the intention of creating something meaningful that spoke to people beyond the surface.

“I grew up in a place where Hip-Hop wasn’t the dominant culture, and I had to carve my own path. There’s this perception that artists from smaller countries don’t have the same global potential, but I see it the opposite way. Coming from Swaziland gives me a unique perspective that hasn’t been explored in the mainstream,” he says, reflecting on his journey.

Authenticity at the Core

theOTHERperson’s music is a direct reflection of his personal journey—a testament to the rawness, vulnerability, and growth he’s experienced. He raps not about fabricated struggles, but the real battles he’s faced. His music delves deep into themes of pain, ambition, and the grind of an independent artist trying to make it in a saturated world. His project INDIE STRUGGLES encapsulates this reality, born from a time in his life when financial insecurity and self-doubt had him questioning whether he should continue pursuing his dream. Yet, despite those challenges, his resilience shone through.

“There were days when I didn’t know where my next meal was coming from, and other days I’d sit in the studio for hours questioning if it was worth it. But I kept pushing, because I knew there was something bigger at play. INDIE STRUGGLES was my way of sharing those battles and reminding others that, no matter how tough things get, you can always find a way to survive and keep moving forward,” he recalls.

Cultural Fusion: A Global Message with African Roots

Growing up in Swaziland meant theOTHERperson was deeply influenced by African rhythms, melodies, and storytelling traditions. But it was Hip-Hop—the global language of resilience and expression—that gave him the platform to merge his African heritage with his musical vision. His sound is a fusion of raw African beats and the timeless grit of global Hip-Hop, creating something both authentic to his roots and appealing to a wider audience.

“Hip-Hop is a global language, but it’s about making it your own,” he explains. “Growing up in Swaziland, I was surrounded by African music, but I also recognized the power of Hip-Hop to transcend borders. I mix the two to create something unique—something that resonates universally but still speaks to my African roots.”

Vulnerability and Determination: The Power of Truth

For theOTHERperson, the balance between vulnerability and determination is key to his artistry. He sees them not as opposing forces but as fuel for one another. Being vulnerable in his music is not about weakness; it’s about staying real, showing that it’s okay to struggle and still move forward. His music isn’t afraid to touch on self-doubt, pain, or the harsh realities of life, but it always emphasizes the importance of resilience and the strength that comes from pushing through.

“I believe in being vulnerable in my music because that’s where the real power lies,” he says. “When I’m hurting, I’ll say it. But I’ll also show how I keep moving forward. Life isn’t just one emotion; it’s highs and lows, success and setbacks, doubt and confidence, all at the same time. My music reflects that.”

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A Legacy of Impact

Beyond his authenticity, theOTHERperson is deeply inspired by artists who have built legacies that extend beyond music. He cites figures like Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, and Ricky Rick as some of his greatest influences, not only for their musical genius but for the way they’ve shaped the culture. Kendrick Lamar taught him the power of storytelling and using music to address complex societal issues, while Mac Miller showed him how vulnerability could be turned into a source of strength. Ricky Rick, meanwhile, embodied the power of blending local culture with global appeal and built an enduring legacy through authenticity.

“If I could collaborate with any artist, locally or internationally, it would definitely be Kendrick Lamar, Ricky Rick, and Mac Miller,” theOTHERperson says, clearly drawn to the idea of pushing his own artistry to new heights through these collaborations. “Each of them represents something unique to me and to the culture, and I feel like working with any of them would elevate my own craft.”

Music as a Catalyst for Change

One of the most humbling experiences for theOTHERperson was when a fan reached out after hearing his track A TROUBLED YOUTH. The fan shared how the song, which touches on perseverance in the face of self-doubt, had helped them find the strength to continue chasing their own artistic dreams. For theOTHERperson, moments like these underscore the true power of music—the ability to inspire, heal, and connect in ways that words alone cannot.

“It’s moments like that that remind me why I do this,” he says. “Music has the power to heal, to inspire, and to connect in ways that go beyond entertainment. To know that my words could inspire someone to keep pushing forward—that’s what it’s all about.”

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The Future: Pushing Boundaries

As theOTHERperson continues to evolve as an artist, he is excited to explore new sounds, themes, and creative directions. In the future, he plans to delve deeper into topics like mental health, identity, and self-discovery—issues that often go unaddressed in the industry. Musically, he’s eager to experiment with alternative sounds, electronic influences, and even jazz, always with the goal of creating something that pushes the boundaries of Hip-Hop.

“My goal is to keep evolving, both sonically and thematically,” he says. “I want my music to be introspective, layered, and experimental. I want it to surprise people and show that Hip-Hop is about more than just one sound or one story.”

A Name That Speaks Volumes

The name theOTHERperson is a reflection of the artist’s mindset—humble yet ambitious. It’s a recognition that, no matter where you go, there’s always someone else who seems better or on a different level. But instead of feeling threatened, theOTHERperson embraces this idea as motivation to always strive for excellence. He’s not just another artist; he’s the one who stands above the rest.

“At the end of the day, I want to be remembered for being true to myself and for inspiring others to do the same,” he says. “It’s not about being the best in the game—it’s about making an impact that lasts.”

With his authenticity, determination, and ability to blend cultures, theOTHERperson is not just an artist; he’s a movement in the making. And as he continues to rise, his story serves as a powerful reminder that no matter where you come from, your voice can transcend borders and inspire the world.

CRDT.

Mondays Magazine Publications

Issue Prensented by theOTHERperson (Artist/Musician)

Story By Ntombizodwa Dlamini

Designed by The Mondays Studio & Kvn

Published on the 14 March 2025