Iconic Zimbabwean-British artiste SHINGAI has collaborated with the soulful Bryan K titled “Harare to Mutare”. It is a heartfelt story of two childhood friends, torn apart when one family is forced to move away. Their friendship is filled with beautiful memories and for the one who goes away (Shingai) through life, these memories of home are anchors for everything she then lives and works for.
Her return as an adult is welcomed and though so much has changed since she left, that childhood ally (Bryan K) makes room for her to integrate back into the community through music, food and road trips. The story is a beautiful metaphor of Zimbabwe's relationship with those who are in the diaspora, with a nod to local Zimbabweans making room for loved ones returning home. This is one song that you would want to take on a long drive and keep on replay.
Superbly arranged chords and a drop of the log drum, the soulful mid-tempo track takes you on a journey of sound. Starting off by reflecting the late Oliver (Tuku’s) Mtukudzi stripped acoustic guitar and vocal sound, it is embellished with rhythmic light percussion and bass guitar synth with a funk element to it. This combination of acoustic background with punchy yet playful bass riffs sounds futuristic while evoking music nostalgia. It is a Zim Sound interpreted and elevated by the lessons Bryan and Shingai have learnt in Afro Pop and Rock respectively.
“Didn’t want to have to go solo, I didn’t want to lose my home, pray for me” oozes Shingai in a line that mirrors her personal experience.
Vocally the pair are synchronised as they flaunt their wide vocal ranges. The bridge of the song breaks down to give space for a crescendo that moves into a beautiful surprise of a groove dance break then back to the catchy chorus that leaves you feeling moreish .
Evidently on her journey, she has followed her mum’s advice “Amai Chipo said, First you gotta get your dreams right, then you gotta get your team right”. The video is a remarkable collaboration of locally based filmmakers Joe Njagu (Cook Off) and Jonathan ‘Dyrektao’ Samukange. It tells of the beauty of reconnecting with our families. Filming began in 2021 with scenes from Rusape, Mutare and Harare. Through the video as the cast grows, and the story builds, Shingai and Bryan’s anthem is a vehicle for conversation about portraying African culture attractively to our young audience.
This is the third video Shingai has commissioned to be shot in Zimbabwe. Though she has travelled all around the world, her fondest memories in life and where she is investing her time and energy is Zimbabwe. She is adamant to use her global success to showcase Zimbabwe's cultural beauty. In her journey to create this masterpiece, Shingai has empowered over 100 individuals in informal employment and 25 established businesses.
lyrics
Bibo, Shingai we rolling now
Do you remember them days
Me and you used to play
By the river, I prayed
They'd never take me away from you
Guess I was broken-hearted
Maybe that's where it started
Now you say that I've changed
But the world is a strange place
The world is a strange place
The world is a stage Oh oh
Amai Chipo said:
First you gotta get your team right
Then you gotta get your dreams right
Guess I'll see you in the meantime
Maybe we can take a long drive
Harare to Rusape
Rusape to Mutare
Tose toda Rugare
Kuti tite tifare
Harare to Rusape
Rusape to Mutare
Tose toda Rugare
Kuti tite tifare Fare
Tifare Fare
Tifare Fare
Fare Fare
Tifare Fare
Tifare Fare
Tifare Fare
Tifare Fare
Now that you are back I’m gonna take you places
Tichafamba mamaira
Kumusha ndakavaraira
Tichafamba, tichiimba tichifara ,tichitamba
I know you don’t recognise a lot of faces
Everybody grown now
So many changes
Let me give you back your throne now
Let me give you back your throne now
Amai Chipo said:
First you gotta get your team right
Then you gotta get your dreams right
Guess I'll see you in the meantime.
It's all right, it’s all right.
First you gotta get your dreams right,
then you gotta get your team right
Guess i see you in the meantime
It's all right..
Harare to Rusape
Rusape to Mutare
Tose toda Rugare
Kuti tite tifare fare
Harare to Rusape
Rusape to Mutare
Tose toda Rugare
Kuti tite tifare
Didn't wanna have to go solo,
Didn't wanna have to lose my home
Pray for me, like I prayed for you
When your heart is true
Said you do what you've gotta do
Didn't have to be away for so long
Zvakato nditemesa Musoro
Now that you're back let us focus on tomorrow
Amai Chipo said:
First you gotta get your dreams right,
Then you gotta get your team right,
Guess I'll see you in the meantime.
It's all right, it’s all right.
First you gotta get your team right,
Then you gotta get your dreams right.
Guess I'll see you in the meantime
Maybe we can take a long drive.
Bibo, Shingai, we rolling now
Da da da da da, da da da da da. Da da da da da dah
First you gotta get your team right,
Then you gotta get your dreams right.
Guess I'll see you in the meantime
It’s all right, it’s all right
First you gotta get your dreams right,
Then you gotta get your team right.
Maybe we can take a long drive
Amai Chipo said!
credits
released May 25, 2023
Vocals & Lyrics - Shingai , Bryan K
Cowriting: Kevin Mwenye
Guitar - Bryan K
Additional Production: ChoC NY , Bryan K
Mixing & Mastering - WayneBeats
Label - Zimtron Records
Shingai, the legendary front woman and bassist from the Noisettes welcomes you to a new “Too Bold”
chapter.
The "Too Bold" album treads many paths and themes about rising above perplexing times, being resilient, standing your ground and confronting the struggle. Inviting you to keep the optimist alive within us and be better in every way.
