A NEW wave of collaboration and creative unity is reshaping Zimbabwe’s music industry, led by one of its most respected voices, DJ Discord Ma’friq, a vocalist, guitarist and artistic director for the award-winning Afro-pop group Ma’friq.
Discord is the man at the centre of Most Known Unknowns, a 33-track compilation album that celebrates Zimbabwe’s musical diversity while calling for unity and collective progress.
Thomas Zondo Sakala, the former head of the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe and father to Vuyo Sakala, the CEO of WMD Sounds, is the executive producers of the project.
His involvement provided the foundation and structure needed to bring together such a wide range of artistes and styles.
“Without him (Thomas Zondo) and his family’s ability to open doors, provide a home for past and present works, this project would not have happened,” Vuyo said.
“He built the base that allowed all these artistes to come together.”
Discord, who hails from Harare, was one of the three members of the M’afriq group which released a compilation titled Mwaka Wekutanga Season 1 under Muringa Music in 2016.
M’afriq has shaken the entertainment circles with its popular songs such as Ndichamuudza Chete, Pangu Pangu, Chizevezeve, among others.
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The group was popular for its powerful fusion of African rhythms, mbira melodies, fast guitar riffs and traditional drumming.
Discord’s sound is rooted in Zimbabwe’s musical heritage, but it speaks to global audiences.
“This project reminded us why collaboration matters,” he said.
“We’ve got so many powerful voices in Zimbabwe, but for years, we’ve worked apart.
“Most Known Unknowns proved that when we combine energy, stories and sound, we create something that can’t be ignored.
“It’s not just an album — it’s the heartbeat of what’s possible when egos fall away and purpose takes over.”
His vocals and musical direction gave the album its soul, blending Afro-folk elements with modern production.
Discord’s presence brings authenticity and emotion to the tracks, showing that Zimbabwe’s traditional sounds can evolve without losing their essence.
Most Known Unknowns features a dynamic mix of artistes from Jah Light and FreshYoLivingLarge to veterans Lady Storm and M'afriq, as well as rising voices like Dricci, Tinaboi, Zowa and Sasha.
The album explores themes of faith, perseverance, love, betrayal and hope, capturing the struggles and dreams of ordinary Zimbabweans.
Live instrumentation gives the album warmth and texture, with performances by Blessing Mseketa on bass, Rangarirai Pashapa on saxophone, Sirbede on percussion, Slage on guitar and Charles Jangano on keys.
Together, they turn digital beats into a living, breathing soundscape.
Vuyo describes the concept behind the title: “Most Known Unknowns speaks to artistes who are respected in their spaces but still waiting for the world to truly see them.
“It’s about celebrating hidden greatness, those whose work defines our sound, but rarely get the spotlight. ‘It’s Giving Zimbabwe’ is a statement of pride, we’re claiming our identity through music.”
With 33 tracks and over 20 artistes, Most Known Unknowns is more than just an album — it’s a declaration that Zimbabwe’s music industry thrives on unity.
The project bridges generations and genres, blending urban grooves, Afro-fusion, Tsungura House, trap soul and dancehall into one powerful collective voice.
“This is the start of something bigger,” Discord said.
“Zimbabwe doesn’t lack talent, it lacks unity.
“This project shows what’s possible when we come together.
“It’s about building platforms, not silos. The future of our sound is collective.”
Future volumes of Most Known Unknowns are already in the works, each set to feature new artistes, new styles and new stories from across the country.
At its core, Most Known Unknowns is a story of belief, collaboration and cultural pride a reminder that Zimbabwe’s sound is alive, evolving and ready for the world.
Together, they are the most known unknowns and this is only the beginning.
