Once upon a time rock music was the sound that defined a generation. As the country hurtled towards freedom from the shackles of colonisation, bands played all-night shows in the townships, flouting police curfews. Rock was the sound of social rebellion, raging against colonial and cultural bonds.
Inspired by the global rock and roll scene, local musicians gave birth to what would be known as "Zim heavy," a sound of fuzzy guitars and psychedelia.
This era was defined by bands such as Wells Fargo, whose single "Watch Out" became a pro-democracy anthem in the late 70s and was subsequently banned from radio by the Rhodesian government.
The zeitgeist of the time is encapsulated by the famous headline "Jimi Hendrix is dead, but Manu is alive" in The Rhodesia Herald following a performance by the band Dr Footswitch, fronted by guitarist Manu Kambani, a native of Mbare.
While it's sister genre, Zamrock, solidified itself beyond that era, in a post independence Zimbabwe Zimrock fell to the sidelines. From the heights of the 70s, Zimbabwe's rock scene became more nascent, kept alive by bands such as Chikwata263, Acid Tears, Evicted and Dividing The Element. However, Sylent Nqo's collaboration with Mann Friday, "Sewe," might just see it returning to prominence.
Centred on themes of nostalgia and emotional attachment, the love song incorporates Shona and English lyrics with contemporary instrumentation. "Sewe" beautifully marries together rock, folk music and traditional Zimbabwean sounds.
Led by Sylent Nqo's rich vocals, the genre bending track features an enchanting guitar solo by Lukas Knuap and a guest verse from Mann Friday, that adds a contrasting vocal and stylistic element. It not only makes a fair attempt at capturing the magic of old (70s Zim rock), but succeeds at it.
Mann Friday's Rob Burrell described working with Sylent Nqo as amazing and hinted at more music coming from them this year. This was echoed by Nqo, as he said, "Working with Mann Friday was an absolute pleasure. They elevated the song. 2026 we will continue to push boundaries and put Zim on the map."
The single was released accompanied by a video directed by Taku Dzinoreva and Lennox Makurumidze. The colour palette and imagery of which, aptly the tone and themes of the song.
"Sewe" adds to a growing list of cross genre releases by Sylent Nqo that have seen the singer making waves across the country and beyond. This includes such tracks as the Afro R&B "Huya," which has now racked in over 10 million streams, the Afro house inclined "Home Alone," and the soulful collaboration "Denga."
"Sewe" is now available across all streaming platforms.
Inspired by the global rock and roll scene, local musicians gave birth to what would be known as "Zim heavy," a sound of fuzzy guitars and psychedelia.
This era was defined by bands such as Wells Fargo, whose single "Watch Out" became a pro-democracy anthem in the late 70s and was subsequently banned from radio by the Rhodesian government.
The zeitgeist of the time is encapsulated by the famous headline "Jimi Hendrix is dead, but Manu is alive" in The Rhodesia Herald following a performance by the band Dr Footswitch, fronted by guitarist Manu Kambani, a native of Mbare.
While it's sister genre, Zamrock, solidified itself beyond that era, in a post independence Zimbabwe Zimrock fell to the sidelines. From the heights of the 70s, Zimbabwe's rock scene became more nascent, kept alive by bands such as Chikwata263, Acid Tears, Evicted and Dividing The Element. However, Sylent Nqo's collaboration with Mann Friday, "Sewe," might just see it returning to prominence.
Centred on themes of nostalgia and emotional attachment, the love song incorporates Shona and English lyrics with contemporary instrumentation. "Sewe" beautifully marries together rock, folk music and traditional Zimbabwean sounds.
Led by Sylent Nqo's rich vocals, the genre bending track features an enchanting guitar solo by Lukas Knuap and a guest verse from Mann Friday, that adds a contrasting vocal and stylistic element. It not only makes a fair attempt at capturing the magic of old (70s Zim rock), but succeeds at it.
Mann Friday's Rob Burrell described working with Sylent Nqo as amazing and hinted at more music coming from them this year. This was echoed by Nqo, as he said, "Working with Mann Friday was an absolute pleasure. They elevated the song. 2026 we will continue to push boundaries and put Zim on the map."
The single was released accompanied by a video directed by Taku Dzinoreva and Lennox Makurumidze. The colour palette and imagery of which, aptly the tone and themes of the song.
"Sewe" adds to a growing list of cross genre releases by Sylent Nqo that have seen the singer making waves across the country and beyond. This includes such tracks as the Afro R&B "Huya," which has now racked in over 10 million streams, the Afro house inclined "Home Alone," and the soulful collaboration "Denga."
"Sewe" is now available across all streaming platforms.