For KindlyNxsh, Shona Man is not just the title of an album; it signifies an unveiling of a side of him that he has kept hidden for many years.
Originally from Zimbabwe and later raised in South Africa, KindlyNxsh has navigated the complexities of two cultures. While his artistic journey has largely been tied to South African youth culture, Shona Man marks a reconnection with his Zimbabwean heritage, addressing a past hesitation about openly acknowledging his roots.
This new body of work transforms past insecurities into a source of pride, with KindlyNxsh utilizing his personal experiences to delve into themes such as xenophobia, the sense of belonging, feelings of being an outsider, self-acceptance, and the significance of embracing one’s identity. This endeavor also aligns with a larger vision that he shares with his close collaborator and best friend, BabyDaiz, to globally amplify African narratives and sounds.
“I had to explore my identity, to find me. I am South African and I am Zimbabwean,” he articulates. “These beautiful places have made me and made a lot of kids that are just like me.”
Shona Man signifies a substantial shift for KindlyNxsh. The nine-track collection showcases diverse influences, including Afrobeats and rave music, genres he had not previously explored, while also incorporating the Shona language into his work for the first time. KindlyNxsh took the lead in producing eight of the nine tracks, demonstrating his artistic development, flexibility, and creative authority. The project artfully intertwines modern African sounds with elements from his Zimbabwean musical heritage.
One of the highlights of this project is KindlyNxsh’s homage to the iconic Zimbabwean artist Oliver Mtukudzi, through his renditions of the beloved tracks Neria and Todii, including a live version of Todii (Live). Growing up with Mtukudzi’s music, revisiting these pieces proved to be a deeply personal yet daunting task.
“These are honestly my favourite records,” KindlyNxsh reveals. “I was super anxious
before using the records, because of how important they are to people around the world. But when I began crafting the instrumentals, I sensed it would result in something exceptional.”
Mtukudzi’s legacy holds significant meaning for KindlyNxsh, who views his music as a reflection of his upbringing. Receiving approval from his family for this project is a noteworthy milestone in his artistic journey.
Among all the tracks, Neria resonates most deeply with KindlyNxsh. He notes that the song encapsulates the feelings within his mind while also portraying the internal struggles and self-exploratory journey that influenced the project.
“I love the story I’m telling, with the approach I took,” he notes. “It feels like I’m
preaching to the world.”
Shona Man serves as a tribute to Zimbabwean culture and a transformative journey toward self-acceptance, emphasizing that one should never have to diminish any aspect of their identity to find belonging.
