Born in Camden, raised in Zimbabwe, and now back in London, it is little wonder, that issues of British, African and black identity – imposed, inherited, chosen – are at the heart of all Netsayi does. Sliding between English and her native tongue, Shona, the album’s breadth is vast, encompassing African pop, jazz, soul and folk.
“Chimurenga Soul” is both unique and personal. “Chimurenga” is a Shona word, meaning ‘liberation struggle’. “Aside from my songs being about all the pressures people are faced with in life, its also a chance for me to explore the stereotypes about music, genre and people’s concepts of culture. We are all influenced by things beyond our immediate context. There are no neat boxes.”