Hlawutelo Kingston Miyambo, widely known as Mgewu The Junior, is a 25-year-old civil engineering graduate who is seamlessly blending concrete calculations with creative beats. From supervising construction sites to producing music, Mgewu is proving that passion knows no boundaries.
He started his education at Tivoneleni Primary School in 2005, matriculated from Nghezimani Secondary School in 2017, and earned an N6 in Civil Engineering from Capricorn College in 2019. While completing his practicals, he works as a Junior Foreman on the Ring Road project, alongside running several entrepreneurial ventures.
The stage name Mgewu comes from his father’s grandfather, with musical talent running in the family. His uncle, Thomas Makholwa of the Mgewu Sisters, was the first to carry the name in the music industry. Interestingly, the title Mgewu The Junior originally belonged to his brother, but Hlawutelo adopted it, with his brother now performing as Gewuza Mgewu.
The birth of a music career
Mgewu The Junior’s journey began in 2015 when he taught himself beat-making. By 2016, he had mastered vocal recording systems, and his big break came in 2020 with the hit single Mali Ya Ni Fanela, a collaboration with his brother. His first album followed in 2021. Known for creating songs that are interesting, educational, and entertaining, his overarching theme remains love and life.
He draws inspiration from music legends like Dr. Joe Shirimani, whose collaborations with Benny Mayengani and Prince Rhangani shaped Mgewu’s understanding of sound, transformation, and quality. A future collaboration with Dr. Joe remains on his bucket list.
Albums and artistic achievements
To date, Mgewu The Junior has released five albums: Ximutwani, Tshifara Thonga, Gaza Jazz, Ripfani, and Main Character, along with an EP and several singles. Mali Ya Ni Fanela holds a special place in his heart.
His latest project, Main Character, was a statement of artistic power. Featuring collaborations with Gondi Boy, Matimu Mellow-Kid, and Gewuza Mgewu, the album took 11 months to complete, thanks to a dedicated team of producers, mixers, and vocalists. The project showcases his signature sound, unique, catchy, and unmistakably Mgewu.
Balancing music and engineering
Juggling a career as a construction foreman with his music ambitions is not without challenges. From unmotivated collaborators to jealousy in the industry, Mgewu The Junior faces obstacles head-on. Yet, when he creates, nothing stands in his way.
He lives by the mantra: “Do what you love with passion; listen to your music, not people. Play a unique style that can help you make your breakthrough. Respect the culture and the game itself.”
Looking ahead, Mgewu The Junior is committed to saving and uplifting Tsonga (Gaza) culture through music that makes people dance and inspires the next generation.
“I’m the big thing coming” – Mgewu The Junior.
