CAPE OF GOOD HOPE IN PIKSY'S NZANGA
By Esteemed Ziliro Mchulu
The coming of Covid 19 made us all communicate prevention of the virus including artists. However, many people are now aware of the virus and how it is spread hence a paradigm shift has been taken in music whereby musicians and other artists are now interested in giving hope to people that Covid 19 will be over. Piksy’s latest release “Nzanga” stands tall on the glimmers beaming hope to people that Covid 29 battle will be won and life will return to normal.
With the drop in new cases and deaths, the “Nthunzi” hit maker sings about dreams of brighter days in a nostalgic tone and hopeful mood. Piksy brings in flashback of the memories that were there before Covid 19, reminding us all the need to check on our friends.
“Nzanga uli bwanji? Zikuyenda bwanji? How is your family? Business ikuyenda bwanji poti dzikoli nde lavuta kwambili” (How are you my friend? How is your family and business in these hard times). The opening verse brings in the need for us all to check on friends and relatives as it has been our culture. While it has been normal for us to check on each other as we usually do, the song brings in the need as to why we need to do it now because the world has changed, it has a disease that is claiming lives every day.
The artist attempted to remind us all the need to give hope to our friends that things will be all right soon. “Koma pompano tikuma, Tiyese kuzisamala, Posachedwa kuwala mwina tingozisamala , Osaopa nzanga, poti kukondwa ndi mawa pompano kuwala..”, goes the chorus which centres on hope. The hope giving ministry in the song is a success because it has come at a proper time where things seem to be moving in a proper direction. For example, schools are now open a countless sign that the battle will soon be over.
The nostalgic feeling of the persona comes in the second verse where the artist reflects on some things of the past. The artist remembers the life of one popular DJ, Kenny Clips who succumbed to Covid 19 and other experiences worth the word. The shift in Covid message by the artist puts him at par with Oliver Mtukudzi who used music to bring awareness, dialogue and hope to his home country in Zimbabwe when HIV/AIDS was causing havoc.
The combination of right lyrics, rhythm and instruments which were done by Sispence have given the artist space and identify as a cape of good hope in the Covid 19 fight. The song stirs strong emotions and engages the listeners to think of friends and family and at the end makes one to take an action fighting the virus. The song ends with “please stay safe my friends”, making it a perfect partner for social change.