Atchaar.
For Siyabonga Nkosi, better known by his stage name Atchaar, music is more than entertainment it is a platform to tell stories, preserve culture, and inspire hope.
The siSwati Hip Hop and Afro-Pop artist, singer, songwriter and record producer from Nhlazatshe has spent more than a decade building a career rooted in authenticity and pride for his home province of Mpumalanga.
Born in Nhlazatshe, Atchaar spent part of his childhood in Lochiel before returning to his birthplace at the age of 10.
The experiences of growing up in these communities continue to shape his music, giving him a deep appreciation for the people, culture and language that define the province.
“Growing up in these communities shaped who I am. The people, culture, language and everyday experiences inspire my music. I always want my songs to reflect the beauty, struggles and strength of Mpumalanga and its people,” he said.
Atchaar, added that his passion for music began in 2011, and by 2014 he had embarked on his solo career. What started as a hobby soon became a calling after he recognised the power of music to unite people, tell meaningful stories and create opportunities.
“I realised music could bring people together, tell meaningful stories and create opportunities. Seeing the impact music has on people’s lives inspired me to pursue it professionally,” he explained.
Atchaar says he chose music because it gives him a voice to speak about real-life experiences while celebrating his culture and encouraging others to pursue their dreams.
“Through my songs, I want people to feel proud of who they are, believe in themselves and remember that no matter where you come from, you can achieve great things.”
Throughout his journey, he has collaborated with a range of artists, producers and creatives, experiences that have helped refine his songwriting, recording techniques, stage presence and understanding of the music industry.
“Every collaboration has taught me something valuable while helping me stay true to my own sound,” he said.
One of his most celebrated releases is Mpumalanga, a song dedicated to the province he proudly calls home.
The track highlights the beauty of Mpumalanga, its rich cultural heritage and the immense talent found across its communities.
“I wanted to celebrate its beauty, rich culture, talented people and the pride we have in where we come from. The song is an anthem that encourages unity and reminds people that Mpumalanga has so much talent and potential. It represents love, identity and hope for our province.”
The song has resonated with audiences, earning streams on digital platforms, radio airplay and widespread use on social media.
“The response has been very encouraging. People have been streaming the song, requesting it on radio and creating videos using the sound on social media. It’s motivating to see people connecting with the message behind the song,” he said.
Atchaar’s music combines siSwati Hip Hop with Afro-Pop, blending melodic rhythms with meaningful storytelling. He believes that using the SiSwati language and sharing authentic stories gives his music a distinctive identity while remaining relatable to audiences from different backgrounds.
Despite his growing success, the independent artist admits that the journey has not been without challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges has been limited resources and exposure compared to artists from bigger cities. Independent artists often have to finance their own music, marketing and videos. Despite those challenges, I’ve remained consistent because I believe hard work, patience and determination eventually open doors.”
Looking ahead, Atchaar has ambitious plans to expand his brand through new music, collaborations, live performances and visual projects. Fans can also look forward to the release of his upcoming EP, Ngwane Lomuhle, which promises to continue showcasing his unique sound and storytelling ability.
As his fan base continues to grow, Atchaar remains grateful to everyone who has supported his journey.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported my journey from the very beginning. Your streams, shares, radio requests and words of encouragement mean everything to me. Please continue supporting local artists because your support changes lives. Keep streaming Mpumalanga, request it on your favourite radio stations, use the sound on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, and let’s continue putting Mpumalanga on the map. God bless you all, and much love.”
With a deep love for his roots and an unwavering commitment to representing his province, Atchaar is proving that talent from rural Mpumalanga can reach audiences far beyond its borders. Through every lyric and melody, he continues to carry the voice, pride and spirit of his community to the world.
