mbulelo smpofu
Trish Mukwazo, trishmukwazo515@gmail.com
BULAWAYO-based singer-songwriter Yemurai Nyoni, known to fans as Amany, has begun the year with a bang, dropping a new single titled Kasi Prayer. The multi-award-nominated artiste, whose discography boasts over 30 singles in just six years, is renowned for his ability to weave tales of love and hope into his music, even amid hardship.
Released on January 2, Kasi Prayer is a heartfelt call to God for comfort, healing, and restoration during times of difficulty. The song is a petition for divine intervention to save the lives of young people in despair. Known for his witty penmanship, lively performances, and ability to use music as a tool for social change, Amany has been part of award-winning collaborations and has released numerous radio-charting singles over the years.
The lyrics of Kasi Prayer are inspired by the life struggles that young people go through and the hopelessness that leads some to end their lives. It encourages young people to put their trust in God and maintain hope for a better tomorrow. Released at the start of 2025, Kasi Prayer seeks to set a prayerful tone for the birth of a new year. The song is performed by Amany, produced by Ntu2kay, and mixed and mastered by Larynx.
At 34 years old, Amany has made it his life’s pursuit to create timeless music, influence Zimbabwe’s musical culture, and help transform the music industry in Bulawayo, his home city. From the establishment of his career as a musician, Amany’s goal has been to make his music brand a household name in Zimbabwe, expanding its reach regionally and globally, including a record label that nurtures talented musicians from Bulawayo.
He told the Saturday Chronicle that this year his fans should expect more from him, including visuals for Kasi Prayer. He described this year as one that’s going to be busy as he is set to release new songs, including a single entitled Wahala at the end of this month.
“Last year was a bit quiet for me, but I have been creating and working with different producers like Larynx and Ntu2Kay. I have a backlog of stories I would like to share this year with those following my music and with the people of my city, Bulawayo,” said Amany.
In just four years, he has released over 30 singles, including hits like Daideng, Emathandweni, Dead to Love, I Miss You, Free, and Novuyo.
Amany’s journey started at Gifford High School in Bulawayo, where he completed his O-levels and A-levels. He then proceeded to the University of Westminster in London, where he attained a BA in Development Studies and International Relations.
His musical journey has been diverse, with previous projects spanning hip-hop, gospel, AfroSoul, Afropop, and dancehall. Amany’s passion for music is deeply rooted in his family’s love for it. His stage name, short for “A Man Named Yemurai,” reflects his ambition to create a unique genre by blending house, amapiano, and Afrotech.
In an interview with Saturday Chronicle, Amany said that the catalyst to his professional journey was Charlie Kay, a Zimbabwean singer based in the United Kingdom.
“He (Kay) heard some of the song ideas I had and urged me to get into the studio and become a recording artiste. I worked with him on my first few demos, and that kicked off my professional musical journey,” said Amany, adding that he went to the same church and university as Kay.
“Some of my early musical inspirations were drawn from my brothers. One of them would always bring home the latest music, engineered his own sound system for the house, and later set up his own club/leisure spot in the city.”
Despite the modest earnings from his gigs — the most he’s ever earned from a single performance is a mere US$50 — Amany remains undeterred in his pursuit of musical success.
A versatile musician and songwriter, Amany tells stories through a variety of genres. His notable projects include his first album, State of Mind, which thrust him onto the musical map in the city, and a host of popular collaborations.
As a Pan-African artiste, Amany says his music transcends geographical boundaries as he writes songs in English, IsiNdebele, ChiShona, SeSotho, KiSwahili, and Portuguese. With his career as an artiste constantly evolving, he has performed at various events, including the Bulawayo Arts Awards, Bulawayo Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund, #ILoveMsizKayConcert, Blaq Diamond Concert, Kasi2Kasi Tour, International Women’s Day Commemoration, and National Art Gallery in Bulawayo.
shloboe boe
