Rising Zimbabwean musician, Durrel Nyazika, has unveiled his debut extended play (EP), Hupenyu, a bold fusion of Chimurenga and urban beats that seeks to bridge traditional soundscapes and contemporary rhythms.
Recorded at Mutinhimira Studios, the four-track project was released on December 26 across major streaming platforms.
Nyazika, who has been steadily carving a niche in the country’s music scene, said the EP reflects themes of 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, South Africa, 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 growing concern over drug and substance abuse among urban youth, a theme increasingly reflected in contemporary Zimbabwean music.
The second track, Mvura, is a prayer to Musikavanhu for rains to nourish the land.
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Rooted in spiritual devotion, the song connects audiences to the everyday struggle against hunger and emphasises 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 centrepiece.
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 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.
Hupenyu has been available on all major streaming and download platforms since December 26, according to Nyazika’s management, General Promotions.
