HARARE — Urban Grooves musician Nox, born Enock Guni, has permanently returned to Zimbabwe after spending nearly 18 years in South Africa, marking the end of...
HARARE — Urban Grooves musician Nox, born Enock Guni, has permanently returned to Zimbabwe after spending nearly 18 years in South Africa, marking the end of a chapter that helped shape both his life and music career.
The Zaka-born singer, known for songs such as Ndinonyara, My Melody and Stay with Me featuring DJ Tira, said he has relocated back home for good and has no plans to return to South Africa.
To commemorate his departure, Nox is preparing to release a new single titled Bye Bye South Africa. The song was produced by his longtime collaborator Mr Brown and serves as a tribute to the country he called home since 2008.
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“The idea for the song came about when I finally decided to move back home. It’s a very personal song for me because South Africa has been a huge part of my life since 2008. I spent about 17 or 18 years there and experienced so many good things. The song reflects on those memories and expresses my gratitude for everything I learnt and achieved while living there,” said Nox.
The musician said choosing Mr Brown to produce the track was an easy decision because of their long-standing relationship. He said they had worked together for years alongside Makhadzi and had developed a close bond.
“Mr Brown is more than just a producer to me. We’ve worked together for years, alongside Makhadzi. We were like family and even lived in the same neighbourhood. Having him produce the song made the project even more special,” he said.
Nox dismissed suggestions that his move was linked to recent xenophobic tensions that have affected some foreign nationals in South Africa. He said the decision had already been made long before the issue became a topic of discussion.
“My decision was not influenced by what’s happening now. I’d already made up my mind last year and even mentioned it in the song. This is something I planned well in advance,” he said.
According to the singer, regular visits to Zimbabwe over the years convinced him that the country had changed significantly and now presented opportunities for citizens willing to invest and contribute to national development.
“Every time I visited Zimbabwe, I could see the progress that was being made. The difference between the Zimbabwe I left and the Zimbabwe of today is remarkable. I truly believe this is a land of opportunities and the right time for Zimbabweans abroad to consider coming back home,” he said.
Nox also praised the Second Republic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa for initiatives aimed at empowering young people through entrepreneurship and economic participation. He said his return is driven by a desire to contribute to the country’s development.
Besides continuing with music, the artist said he intends to expand into other sectors. He revealed plans to invest in mining and agriculture while remaining active in the entertainment industry.
“I have a lot planned. Music remains an important part of my life, but I’m also venturing into mining and farming. These are industries that make me proud to be Zimbabwean and allow me to contribute to the country’s growth,” he said.
The musician said he hopes to encourage more Zimbabweans living abroad to return home and explore opportunities available in the country. “I want to play my part in building Zimbabwe. That’s one of the reasons I decided to return. I’d even like to start a campaign encouraging Zimbabweans abroad to come back home and see the opportunities for themselves. There’s simply no place like home,” he said.
Nox’s return comes as several Zimbabwean creatives who spent years in South Africa are relocating back home. Among them is content creator Better Kudakwashe Madhuyu, popularly known as Tytie, who recently returned to Zimbabwe with his family. Musicians including members of Dubia Masters, Insimbi ZeZhwane, Mcebisi and AmaThonga Amahle, Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu and Mlambos Express Band have also re-established themselves in Zimbabwe.
