Searching (Nzira) by Vimbai Mango

British-Zimbabwean soul singer, producer, and composer Vimbai Mango releases her debut EP Searching (Nzira) on Tru Thoughts, in collaboration with labelmate South London producer and DJ Footshooter.

The EP is a journey of self-discovery and transformation, grounded in electronic textures, intricate jazz harmonies, and soulful vocal expression. Vimbai’s voice, woven through tender sung verses and delicate spoken word, unites broken beat rhythms with African-inspired instrumentation. The project includes the single of the same name, Searching (Nzira).

Nzira, translates to “the journey” in Shona, a Bantu language spoken by the Shona people of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. “That’s exactly what this project has been,” Vimbai explains, adding, “it started at a time when so many of us were searching for connection and clarity. Nzira is a reflection of identity, heritage, and the power of collaboration. It’s about navigating where we’ve come from and where we’re going, through sound.”.

The EP opens with its focal track, I Am (Ndinzonzi), a symbolic piece for Vimbai. Deeply influenced by Vimbai’s childhood memories and her grandfather’s vinyl collection, the song evokes the era surrounding Zimbabwe’s independence. Through the lyrics, she likens herself to “a bridge between two worlds,” reflecting the experience of a first-generation immigrant, echoing the journey of a first-generation immigrant, she celebrates a sense of self forged at the confluence of cultures.

Continuing the themes of storytelling, transformation, identity, and cultural fusion, Hatibatike (feat. MA.MOYO) shines as an affirming anthem. MA.MOYO, a Zimbabwean-born author, poet, and sound artist based in London, channels the rhythms of the African diaspora, weaving education with art. Her powerful lyricism and resonant voice deepen the track, framed by the uplifting refrain: “You’re bad and you’re bold and you’re bright and you’re beautiful,” carried by soulful keys and a vibrant, thumping dance beat.

The interlude Zongororo flows from a tender, lilting ballad into a fractured soundscape with dragging hip-hop drums, sonically mirroring its themes of change and evolution. In Shona, zongororo means millipede, a creature symbolising vadzimu, ancestral spirits of transformation, often seen as a sign of shifting tides and spiritual metamorphosis.

Closing the project is Not There Yet, a soulful collaboration with gifted trumpeter Wilf Petherbridge, whose rich, melodic lines add depth and warmth. Blending African instrumentation with UK jazz and broken beat influences, courtesy of Footshooter, the track offers a gentle compass, encouraging the listener to cultivate a sense of belonging from within.

“The mission was to build something drawing on Vimbai’s Zimbabwean heritage but also paying homage to U.K. house, broken beat, jazz, soul and trip hop that we both love. We very much co-produced this one.” – Footshooter

Vimbai Mango’s sound blends electronic music with African rhythms, jazz instrumentation, and folk-spoken word in both English and Shona. Incorporating traditional instruments like the mbira, her work bridges ancestral roots and contemporary sonic landscapes. She has collaborated with artists such as Beringei, Arnheim, and Andrés Alcover, and performed at Glastonbury, Rich Mix, and with Bristol-based bands Konketsu and Matuki.

Footshooter, following his acclaimed album The Oasis, praised by Jamz Supernova, Joe-Armon Jones, and supported across BBC, NTS, and Jazz FM, joins Vimbai in this project. A resident of Balamii Radio and a fixture on stages like Love Supreme and We Out Here Festival, he brings his deep-rooted UK sound to the collaboration.

Vimbai Mango is a British Zimbabwean
dance, electronic soul/ broken beat vocalist, lyricist and producer.