HARARE mayor Jacob Mafume has lauded South Africa-based Afro-beats musician Enock “Nox” Guni for his consistency in the music industry highlighting that his hard work and dynamism over the years has carried him this far.
Speaking at the musician’s 20th music anniversary, 15th album launch and birthday celebrations held at Steakhouse Pub and Grill in Waterfalls, last weekend, Mafume said Nox was a musician come of age and he is proud of his strides thus far.
“For those not in the know, I was Nox’s very first manager and I saw him through the budding stages of his career. His class and pedigree were clear from the onset and I am happy that he has continued on that path 20 years on,” Mafume said.
Nox came onto the scene during a time when the likes of Roy and Royce, Plaxedes Wenyika, Sani Makhalima, Take 5 and Chamhembe to name a few were at their prime and though some have fallen by the wayside or moved onto other interests, Nox has remained steadfast and consistent as seen by his achievements to date.”
The arts loving city father who gifted Nox with a Mt Pleasant stand and cash in honour of his hard work and musical milestones said the musician’s journey is a good lesson for every citizen who is working towards their dreams.
“Nothing comes easy and I am happy and proud that 20 years on, Nox has become a musical powerhouse in the region with some runaway success collaborations with big name musicians like Master KG, DJ Tira and Makhadzi to name a few.
The new album equally carries some beautiful collaborations with musicians from Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, South Africa and Zimbabwe. That clearly speaks to clarity of intent and I believe his music brand will continue to appeal beyond borders and the region,” Mafume said.
In his acknowledgement speech, Nox thanked Mafume for the support and motivation and more importantly the Mt Pleasant stand gift, which he said is a big plus to his welfare.
“I am really humbled by this show of support from my elder brother the mayor of Harare. He is a busy man overseeing many ongoing development projects in Harare but he still made time to come and support me at this important occasion.
He has been with me since day one and I am encouraged by his counsel and advice at this important stage in my career. More importantly, the stand donation is a big gesture which I hardly expected but I thank him for remembering me in this manner,” Nox said.
Of his new album and career path, Nox acknowledged the strides he has made in spite of the challenges and pledged to continue soldiering on.
“It’s been an exciting 20 years in the music industry and I am glad the highs and lows of my career have helped me become a better and more complete artiste who is geared for the next level,” he said.
“I want to go international and I believe the success I have recorded in Zimbabwe and beyond bear testimony to my clarity of intent.
“Yes, I have faced some setbacks and negatives along the way but like the wise say, the finest gold must pass through the hottest fire.”
“I strongly believe that winners never arrive and even though I have recorded previous success courtesy of my own productions and other big hit collaborations with showstoppers like Master KG and DJ Tira, I have even bigger things coming my fans’ way,” Nox said.
Nox’s new album is already receiving some encouraging reviews with music lovers taking to TikTok for some challenges as they enjoy the good music offering from their icon.
“On the new 20-track album titled ‘The Love Letter’, I have some amazing collaborations with big international acts including Iyanya from Nigeria, Eddie Kenzo from Uganda, Episode from Ghana and Gigi Lamaine from South Africa. Local artistes featured on the album include Andy Muridzo, Michael Magz, Holy Ten, Tyfah Guni, Gabriella Guni, Flexx, Mr Nyamz, Young Karvile, Mizdee and S Hustler.
The 20 tracks on the album include Alive, Chikokoko, Psycho, Don’t worry, Iyeyeyeindandi, I’m coming, Possibilities, Summer Time, My Mama, Usandidaro, Eeeni Mini ‘Many More’, Ching Chang, One, Honda Fit, Ndakazokumhanyisa and Thank You,” he said.
Nox has already released a video for the song Alive which boasts of some amazing visuals and work is also underway for videos to Chikokoko, Possibilities and Usandidaro among others.
Nox who has been around for close to a month in preparation for the album launch has toured and continues to tour around Zimbabwe with performances in areas like Chiredzi, Zaka, Masvingo, Shamva, Mvurwi and Mutare to name a few.