Ezibeleni Artist Menzo QTN Blends Afro House and Soulful Amapiano

Ezibeleni-born artist Menzo QTN seeks support as he builds emotional, spiritual sound

Komani – A young music artist from Ezibeleni in Komani is hoping to turn his deeply personal musical journey into a wider platform for healing and connection, as he works to establish himself in South Africa’s competitive music industry.

Menzo QTN, whose real name is Liyema Manqapela, was born and raised in Ezibeleni and began making music at the age of 16. What started as a personal coping mechanism has since evolved into a distinctive sound rooted in emotion, spirituality and introspection.

According to Manqapela, music became a way for him to process feelings he struggled to express verbally. Over time, it developed into both a creative outlet and a sense of purpose, shaping his personal identity and artistic direction. He describes music as his safe space during difficult periods in his life, and something that continues to guide him as he grows.

Musically, Menzo QTN positions himself as a Sgubhu curator, blending Afro House — particularly 3-Step — with soulful Amapiano elements. His sound is characterised by slow, sad and touching melodies, which he says are intentional. The emotional tone of his music is designed to resonate with listeners who may be silently dealing with pain, hope, faith or personal struggles.

As a naturally shy person, Manqapela says he prefers to let his music communicate what he cannot always put into words. Rather than focusing on high-energy club tracks, his work leans toward emotionally driven compositions that carry a spiritual undertone, aiming to create a sense of comfort and reflection for listeners.

Growing up in a township environment has brought its own challenges, including limited access to resources and exposure within the music industry. Despite this, he remains committed to creating music with depth and meaning, believing that authenticity and emotional honesty can set him apart in a crowded market.

Manqapela believes his music tells a broader story shared by many young people from similar backgrounds — one of healing, resilience and emotional truth. He hopes that by sharing his journey, more listeners will find pieces of their own experiences reflected in his sound.

The emerging artist has now reached out to Komani News and other local platforms, seeking support in the form of media exposure, guidance or recognition. He believes that local media plays a critical role in amplifying township voices and opening doors for developing talent.

For Manqapela, any opportunity to share his story and music more widely would mark an important step forward in his career, as he continues to build his name within the Afro House and Amapiano space while staying true to his roots in Ezibeleni.

Local artists, producers and organisations interested in supporting or collaborating with emerging talent from Komani are encouraged to engage with platforms that showcase local creative voices.