For KindlyNxsh, Shona Man is more than just an album title. It serves as a gateway to a part of himself that he kept hidden for many years.
Originally from Zimbabwe, KindlyNxsh was raised in South Africa, experiencing the nuances of both cultures. While his work has often reflected South African youth culture, with Shona Man he embarks on a journey to reconnect with his Zimbabwean heritage, addressing a past insecurity about fully embracing who he is.
This project turns that past unease into a sense of pride, drawing from his experiences to tackle themes such as xenophobia, belonging, the feeling of alienation, self-esteem, and the significance of self-acceptance. Additionally, it highlights a shared goal with his close collaborator and friend, BabyDaiz; to promote African stories and music globally.
“I had to explore my identity, to find me. I am South African and I am Zimbabwean,” he states. “These beautiful places have made me and made a lot of kids that are just like me.”
Shona Man marks a significant shift for KindlyNxsh. The nine-track collection delves into Afrobeats and rave music, a departure from his previous releases, while incorporating Shona, a language he has not featured in his music until now. KindlyNxsh took the reins on the production of eight out of the nine tracks, illustrating his evolution, versatility, and artistic autonomy. This work fuses modern African sounds with traditional Zimbabwean musical influences.
One of the standout aspects is KindlyNxsh’s homage to the iconic Zimbabwean artist Oliver Mtukudzi, through his renditions of the beloved tracks “Neria” and “Todii”, which includes “Todii (Live)”. Having been immersed in Mtukudzi’s music during his upbringing, revisiting these songs proved to be both a deeply personal endeavor and a considerable challenge.
“These are honestly my favourite records,” KindlyNxsh expresses. “I felt a lot of pressure before using the records, because of how meaningful they are to so many people globally.
But once I began crafting the instrumentals, I realized it would turn into something special.
The influence of Mtukudzi’s legacy in this project holds great significance for KindlyNxsh, who feels that his music is deeply intertwined with his upbringing. Having the support of his family regarding the inclusion of these works represents an important milestone in his artistic journey.
Among all the songs, Neria resonates deeply with him. He describes it as an audio representation of his internal experiences, also reflecting the struggles and self-discovery that this project embodies.
“I love the story that I am narrating, through the style I have chosen,” he shares. “It feels like I am delivering a message to the world.”
Shona Man is not merely a tribute to Zimbabwean heritage. It represents a path toward self-acceptance, reminding individuals that they should never feel the need to hide any aspect of themselves in order to belong.
