SEBA Nonkosi: A new name, a familiar artist

There is a new name to know in Eswatini’s music scene. The name belongs to an artist who is not new to the industry, although the identity he is stepping into is. SEBA Nonkosi is the new artistic name for Dopedeep, the DJ, recording artist and producer who has spent years building his place in music.

The announcement marks a change in direction for the artist, who says Dopedeep will continue to exist as its own identity while SEBA Nonkosi becomes the name attached to his work as a recording artist and DJ.

For those who have followed Dopedeep’s career, the change may take some getting used to. But this is not a case of an artist walking away from everything that came before. In his announcement, SEBA makes it clear that Dopedeep remains part of the story.

“Dopedeep has been the foundation of my journey. It carried my passion, my experiences, my lessons, and every dancefloor that helped shape who I am,” he said. 

That history is important to the rebrand. Rather than presenting SEBA Nonkosi as a completely different person, the new identity reflects where the artist wants to take his music next.

So, who is SEBA Nonkosi?

SEBA Nonkosi is the name that will now front his work as a recording artist, DJ and producer.

The new identity comes with a renewed focus on original music and live performances, with the artist looking to develop a sound and visual identity that represents where he is now.

He describes the change as a “rebirth”, but the announcement is less about starting from scratch and more about giving his next phase its own identity.

For an artist who has already spent years working under the Dopedeep name, that distinction matters. Experience does not disappear simply because the name on the artwork changes.

The new chapter will centre on original releases, performances and the development of SEBA Nonkosi as an artist in his own right.

For anyone wondering whether the Dopedeep name has been retired completely, the answer is no. Dopedeep will continue to exist separately, with its own identity and purpose. SEBA Nonkosi, meanwhile, becomes the face of his journey as a recording artist and DJ.

It is a decision that allows both names to have a place rather than folding everything into one brand. That also gives longtime listeners a useful way of understanding the change. The music, experience and history associated with Dopedeep have not simply been discarded. They form part of the foundation on which SEBA Nonkosi is being built.

The change comes with a clear intention to put more attention on the artist behind the music. SEBA says the new chapter will focus on

That means audiences can expect to see more of SEBA Nonkosi as a recording artist, rather than only knowing him through his work as Dopedeep. For an artist working across DJing, production and recording, that distinction creates room to develop beyond the role of the person behind the decks. It gives the music itself a stronger place in the conversation.

For now, the artist is taking the time to introduce the name and what it represents. The first announcement is less about explaining every detail and more about making the change official. Dopedeep remains. SEBA Nonkosi begins. And if the name is new to you, the person behind it is not.