Gazi “Dusty” Simelane, left, and Lindokuhle “Stones” Msibi in Dusty & Stones (First Run Features)

Dusty and Stones—cousins Gazi “Dusty” Simelane and Lindokuhle “Stones” Msibi from Swaziland (now the Kingdom of Eswatini)—may not seem like a likely singer-songwriter duo in a country music scene dominated by White American men, yet Jesse Rudoy’s sweet and heartening documentary shows how country music crosses the globe.

The two cousins were raised by their grandparents and grew up in the small town of Mooihoek, listening to country music on Voice of America. Hank Williams, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly Parton were among their indelible influences. Speaking of Parton’s song “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” Dusty says, “It’s like Dolly Parton is telling the story of my own life.” While watching the documentary, one can see that the lonesome highways, dusty pink skies, rust-colored soil, and verdant green hills of Swaziland resemble regions of the American South.

Dusty and Stones began writing and performing music throughout Swaziland. Through their concerts and YouTube videos, they have gained a small local following—with a few in the audience even line dancing. At some festivals, however, they have no one to perform for, with some finding their music not Swazi enough. Meanwhile, their manager is growing weary of their sluggish career. The documentary poignantly conveys how difficult it is for independent artists to invest so much in their music, yet struggle to get it noticed.

When the Texas Sounds International Country Music Festival invites Dusty and Stones to perform and compete in its 2017 music awards, the duo—and their community—think they’ve struck gold. Flying on a plane for the first time, they are humbled and ecstatic about the opportunity to expand their reach to America. A Nashville label contacts them, and they end up recording some of their songs there. One of the highlights, “The River,” is a melodious and quietly moving tribute to their hometown. It’s heartwarming to witness the pure joy the cousins feel when hearing their recordings enhanced by professional Nashville musicians, adding layers to their songs they had always dreamed of. They are also thrilled to experience Nashville, with its live country music bars and shops where they buy hats, boots, and other country get-up.

Part of the film’s emotional suspense centers on what ultimately happens at their performance in Texas and the subsequent awards ceremony. It’s probably not surprising to say that things don’t unfold quite like the flashy dream they imagined, and the duo face some disappointment. The contrast between the warm reception they receive in the Nashville studio and the initial bristling resistance from the Texas backing band highlights the tension.

Rudoy’s no-frills film is a unique story that sensitively follows its subjects with optimism and admiration. However, it also touches on some heavier topics, such as the violence of the Sutherland Springs church shooting (which occurs while the musicians are in Texas) and racial inequalities.

The music of Dusty and Stones is wonderful—rustic and emotional. At the time of writing, their music is available to stream, though they have yet to be signed by a label. It’s easy to imagine viewers being eager for a full-length album that delves even deeper into their artistry beyond the scope of this documentary.