Bonny M | October 7, 2025
In a world where conformity often feels like the easiest path, Pelevi stands as proof that authenticity, though sometimes lonely, is the most powerful form of rebellion. The Eswatini-born artist and producer isn’t just making music, he’s creating a sound that reflects every layer of his story, his struggles, and his evolution.
At his core, Pelevi is ever-evolving. “Outside of the music I am always changing,” he says, “but my love for music and fashion are set in stone.” Those constants are what anchor him, even as life continues to shape and refine who he is.
His love for music began long before he could define it. “My journey with music started as a baby, with my mom singing me lullabies,” he recalls. From Sunday school songs to discovering Hip-Hop, Rap, and R&B through his brother and cousins, music has always been woven into his life. 50 Cent, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown shaped his early influences, while later artists like Travis Scott, 21 Savage, and Future expanded his soundscape. “All of these influences have bled into my own sound in one way or another,” he says. “Music brings people together from all walks of life, even if we don’t speak the same language, we can still vibe together.”
Though music has always been part of him, Pelevi didn’t immediately see it as a career. Growing up in a deeply religious home, he kept his creative side private. It wasn’t until university, during the pandemic, that things began to change. “With all that free time, I started recording more seriously on my roommate’s laptop,” he shares. “That’s when things really picked up, and it just evolved from there.”
For Pelevi, his music is a mirror. “My music is a reflection of everything I’ve been through, my thoughts, my struggles, and my desires.” It’s raw, honest, and deeply personal, shaped by life’s highs and lows.
His journey as a producer started humbly but became central to his artistry. “An old friend introduced me to the basics of making beats, and after that, YouTube became my teacher,” he says. He creates every beat from scratch no loops, no samples, using production as another form of emotional expression. “Being a producer gives me a way to express myself when words just aren’t enough,” he explains. “Some beats I make are never meant to have vocals; their purpose is to exist as they are.”
When it comes to creating, Pelevi doesn’t force meaning. “I just create what feels right,” he says. “If people connect with it, that’s a bonus.” That effortless honesty is what makes his work resonate, it’s not about chasing validation but about releasing emotion.
Life, of course, has shaped him. “Things we all experience, making mistakes, dealing with heartbreak and betrayal, and striving for a better life, they all play a role in who I am as an artist,” he reflects.
His latest project, Black Sheep, captures that energy perfectly. “It embodies the feeling of being an outcast, rejecting conformity and challenging the herd mentality,” he explains. Coming from Eswatini, where tradition and expectation are deeply ingrained, Black Sheep is his statement of independence. “Be bold. Be true to who you are. People will always move the goalposts, just live your life authentically.”
Among his recent works, one song stands out for its vulnerability. “I recently recorded a song called Live 2 Die, where I address the reality of being a young Black man, the pressures, expectations, and choices we make,” he says. “I think a lot of people will not only relate but also gain some deeper insight into these struggles.”
Through it all, Pelevi continues to evolve, as an artist, producer, and individual, grounded in his truth, yet unafraid to challenge the world around him. For him, music isn’t just sound; it’s a story, a sanctuary, and a statement.
Anything you are currently working on, which you would love for our readers to know about?
I’ve got something major coming in October. It’s time to finally let the cat out of the bag and show you what I’ve been cooking up these past few months. Y’all are gonna be shook, like, hold up, I didn’t know you could do that. Get ready for a whole new level.
Where can people listen to your music, and how can they connect with you online?
Look for Pelevi on all DSPs and catch me on Instagram @Pelev1. Keep your eyes peeled, I got something crazy on the way.