Kindlyxnsh Announces “Shona Man” Project As Tribute To Oliver Mtukudzi
Kindlyxnsh Announces “Shona Man” Project As Tribute To Oliver Mtukudzi. Johannesburg-based rapper KindlyNxsh is set to honour his Zimbabwean heritage and the enduring legacy of Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi with his upcoming project Shona Man.
The artist, born Anashe Ithiel Chizhande, unveiled the project through a striking red tracklist graphic shared on social media, accompanied by a birthday message to the late Zimbabwean music icon. The announcement came on September 22, the date Mtukudzi was born in 1952.
Mtukudzi died in 2019, but his music and cultural influence continue to resonate across Africa. For KindlyNxsh, the connection with the legendary musician has also been reflected in his recent work, including his May 2026 single “Todii,” which drew from Mtukudzi’s celebrated catalogue.
The Shona Man tracklist features nine songs, including two appearances from Mtukudzi:
- “Tora”
- “Neria II” featuring Oliver Mtukudzi
- “Shona Man”
- “Sandtoni” featuring Mfanatouchline
- “Eyindi” featuring BabyDaiz, produced by Arsonne Khalifah
- “Go Home”
- “Tanga” featuring Sane Wav and Suhn, produced by Brotherkupa
- “Todii Live” featuring Oliver Mtukudzi
- “Duzu Freestyle” as a bonus track
KindlyNxsh and Jungleboi serve as executive producers on the project, which places the rapper’s Zimbabwean identity at the centre of its creative direction.
The inclusion of “Neria II” and “Todii Live” gives the project a particularly strong connection to Mtukudzi’s legacy. The songs bring elements associated with Zimbabwean musical heritage into a contemporary hip-hop setting, creating a link between KindlyNxsh’s generation and one of the country’s most influential musical figures.
The project also brings together several names from the current African music scene. Mfanatouchline, BabyDaiz, Sane Wav and Suhn contribute to a tracklist that moves between personal identity, cultural expression and modern rap.
KindlyNxsh has built his profile through independent releases, social media moments and collaborations with artists including Blxckie and Nasty C. His music has also reflected his connection to both Zimbabwe and South Africa, with the rapper previously describing himself as a “product of Africa.”
That dual identity sits at the heart of Shona Man. The project gives his Zimbabwean roots a prominent place within his evolving sound while continuing his broader interest in connecting African stories and sounds.
Shona Man is scheduled for release on September 25, just days after Mtukudzi’s birthday. With the project combining KindlyNxsh’s contemporary hip-hop approach with references to the late icon’s catalogue, the release marks another chapter in the rapper’s exploration of his cultural identity.
