Today I want to take you back in time to a track that I feel has a message that is so relevant for the African woman, Wakanatswa by the Zimbabwean rapper Shingirayi (formally known as Mau Mau) featuring Vito. The song was released in 2015 on his Born Again album which was one of the best Christian hip hop albums of that year. It had a number of hits such as Ndamutswa and Mugove Wangu.
The song has a very conscious mellow sound that meshes modern Hip hop with African elements giving it that pleasing authentic sound. Hats off to the producer and the music writers for that. Shingirayi took advantage of this and delivers heavy bars aimed at encouraging the African woman. He reminds her that she is made in the image of God and that she is beautiful as she is with her natural curly hair and ebony skin color.
This is a very much needed message in this present generation where the superficial standards of beauty being advertised on television and social media have made most African women insecure about the way they look. A perfect example is the “yellow-bone frenzy”. We see a lot of African women bleaching their skin in order to look lighter because that is what the current beauty trends are favoring.
In Wakanatswa Shingirayi also reminds us of the true meaning of beauty and modesty as it is described in 1st Peter 3: 3-4 where Peter advises women to not let their adorning be external-the braiding of hair and the putting on of jewelry and the clothes they wear- but to let it be more about the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit which is way more precious in the sight of God.
In essence the song is very inspirational and uplifting, and it is a piece that I think, not only the ladies, but also the gents should check out, regardless of race or skin color. For the ladies,believe me, this song will definitely leave you feeling more beautiful and confident about yourself. As for the guys, it will remind you of what true beauty really is. Well done to Shingirayi for making this timeless piece.
One of the most unique things about Shingirayi is his command of the Shona language. He uses it so well in a way that is creative to give that real hip hop feel. This is exactly what he does with the song Wakanatswa where he raps entirely in Shona. Not too many artists do that and pull it off as well as Shingirayi does.
Have a listen to the song via the link below
