KindlyNxsh, a Zimbabwean artist based in South Africa, has announced a new project titled Shona Man, a tribute to the late Zimbabwean music icon Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi. The announcement was shared on 22 September, the date that would have marked Mtukudzi’s 74th birthday.
The project extends a musical dialogue KindlyNxsh has been building with Mtukudzi’s catalogue. In May, he released “Todii,” a contemporary reworking of Mtukudzi’s 1999 song of the same name. The original appeared on the album Tuku Music and addressed the impact of HIV/AIDS and the losses caused by the epidemic.
KindlyNxsh has said that he grew up hearing Mtukudzi’s records played by his parents. “Todii” retained the familiar chorus from the original while adding his own perspective. Its music video was filmed in Zimbabwe, linking the release to his heritage.
Neria II and the soundtrack connection#
Shona Man will include “Neria II,” a new record tied to another major song in Mtukudzi’s catalogue. The original “Neria” was written for the Zimbabwean film Neria, which follows a widow dealing with her husband’s death and her fight to protect her family and property. Mtukudzi composed the film’s soundtrack and appeared in the movie as Jethro, Neria’s brother.
The title song became one of Mtukudzi’s recognised recordings. The soundtrack later appeared as an 11-track release that included:
- “Neria”
- “Chengetai”
- “Tinomuchema”
- “Tarirai”
- “Muchatuta”
- “Ghetto Boy”
- “Right Direction”
- A live Mahube version of “Neria”
Project details#
The inclusion of “Neria II” gives Shona Man another direct link to Mtukudzi’s catalogue, following “Todii.” The project’s title also reflects KindlyNxsh’s connection to his Shona identity, while its visual direction draws from imagery associated with Mtukudzi’s work.
Further details on the project and its remaining tracks are expected as the release approaches.
