Zimbabwean musician Durrel Nyazika has released his debut EP Hupenyu, a four-track project that fuses the political edge of Chimurenga with contemporary urban rhythms, aiming to carry the liberation-era genre into a new generation.
Nyazika, who has been steadily carving a niche in the country’s music scene, said the EP reflects resilience, spirituality and remembrance. “Hupenyu is about life in all its struggles and triumphs. It’s about remembering where we come from, warning against what destroys us, and celebrating those who paved the way,” he said in a statement.
The EP opens with Chop, Chop, a socially conscious track inspired by the death of a close friend in Cape Town due to crystal meth, known locally as mutoriro. Nyazika uses the song as a rallying cry for young people in Zimbabwe’s townships to reject substance abuse and reclaim their futures. The track underscores the growing concern over drug use among urban youth, a theme increasingly reflected in contemporary Zimbabwean music.
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The second track, Mvura, is a prayer to Musikavanhu for rains to nourish the land. Rooted in spiritual devotion, the song connects audiences to the everyday struggle against hunger and emphasizes the sacred bond between people and the soil. Its message resonates strongly in a country where droughts and food insecurity remain pressing challenges.
The title track, Hupenyu, serves as the EP’s centerpiece. It is an anthem of survival, urging listeners to rise against adversity, stand tall and embrace the fight for life. Nyazika’s blend of Chimurenga instrumentation with urban beats aims to make the message accessible to both older audiences familiar with the genre and younger listeners drawn to modern sounds.
Closing the project is Lancelot Mapfumo, a tribute to the late percussionist and keyboard player of the Blacks Unlimited, and younger brother to Chimurenga pioneer Dr. Thomas Mapfumo. Nyazika honours his legacy with reverence, weaving memory into melody and positioning himself as a custodian of the genre’s heritage.
Chimurenga, a genre born out of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, has long been associated with political consciousness and cultural identity. Nyazika’s effort to carry it forward with contemporary resonance reflects a generational shift, as younger artists seek to reinterpret tradition for modern audiences.
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