For KindlyNxsh, Shona Man is more than an album title. It is an introduction to a part of himself he spent years keeping in the background.
Born in Zimbabwe but raised in South Africa, KindlyNxsh grew up between two cultures. While his career has largely embraced South African youth culture, Shona Man sees him reconnecting with his Zimbabwean roots while confronting an insecurity he once carried about openly embracing his identity.
The project transforms that insecurity into pride, with KindlyNxsh drawing from his experiences to explore themes of xenophobia, belonging, feeling like an outsider, self-worth and the importance of embracing who you are. The project also reflects a broader ambition shared with his close collaborator and best friend, BabyDaiz to take African stories and sounds to the world.
“I had to explore my identity, to find me. I am South African and I am Zimbabwean,” he explains. “These beautiful places have made me and made a lot of kids that are just like me.”
Shona Man represents a major evolution for the KindlyNxsh. The nine-track project explores Afrobeats and rave music sounds he has never released while introducing Shona as a language into his music for the first time. KindlyNxsh produced eight of the nine tracks, further showcasing his growth, versatility and creative control. The project also brings together contemporary African sounds with elements of Zimbabwean musical heritage.
One of its most significant moments is KindlyNxsh’s tribute to legendary Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi, through his reinterpretations of the iconic “Neria” and “Todii”, including “Todii (Live)”. Having grown up surrounded by Mtukudzi’s music, revisiting these songs was both deeply personal and daunting.
“These are honestly my favourite records,” KindlyNxsh says. “I was super anxious before using the records, because of how important they are to people around the world.
But when I started making the instrumentals, I knew it would be something magical.”
The presence of Mtukudzi’s legacy on the project is particularly meaningful for KindlyNxsh, who describes his music as being deeply embedded in his upbringing. Having his family co-sign the inclusion of his work is, for the artist, a significant moment in his journey.
Of all the songs, Neria is particularly personal. KindlyNxsh describes the song as a sonic reflection of what being inside his head feels like, while also capturing the internal conflict and self-discovery that inspired the project.
“I love the story I’m telling, with the approach I took,” he says. “It feels like I’m preaching to the world.”
Shona Man is more than a celebration of Zimbabwean heritage. It is a journey towards self-acceptance, a reminder that you should never have to shrink any part of yourself to feel like you belong.