Dusty & Stones: Bringing African Flair to Country Music

Dusty & Stones: Bringing African Flair to Country Music

• Background: Dusty & Stones, consisting of cousins Gazi “Dusty” Simelane and Linda “Stones” Msibi, originate from Mooihoek, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Their country music journey began on their grandparents’ farm, where they were introduced to American country legends like Donny Williams and Dolly Parton.
• Musical Style: Their debut album, Mooihoek Country Fever (2022), reflects their community and personal experiences, incorporating themes of family and faith. They blend traditional country elements with local musical tastes, singing in siSwati and English.
• International Recognition: The duo gained significant acclaim after winning the Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards Duo of the Year in 2017, becoming the first Africans to achieve this honor. Their global recognition further soared with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Cultural Impact: Dusty & Stones represent a broader movement of Black and African artists in country music, a genre historically dominated by White artists. Their success, along with others like Cleopatra Methula and Zwelly Masuku, highlights the growing diversity within the genre.
• Challenges and Goals: Despite their achievements, Black country artists often encounter racial challenges within the industry. Dusty & Stones advocate for greater recognition and opportunities for African country musicians and aim to show that country music is a global genre, transcending its American roots.

Source: CNN