Online Reporter
Laura Maposa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
NICOLE Ben, who was the head girl at Roosevelt Girls High School last year, has released her debut single titled “Munhu Hunhu,” which tackles drug abuse, abortion, culture preservation and teenage pregnancies.
At a time when most of her peers are engaging in social ills such as drug abuse, sexual immorality, and nude parties, Nicole is determined to give hope to teenagers.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Nicole said sexual immorality, abortion, drug and substance abuse and disrespect have led to moral decadence.
“The song impacts every age group. ‘Munhu Hunhu’ questions some daily choices that have now become a norm, such as drug and substance abuse to relieve stress.
“It brings to light how the African doctrine of ‘Unhu/Ubuntu’ builds people with strong character and purpose.
“To be human requires discipline. ‘Munhu Hunhu’ further promotes a lifestyle choice of thoughtfulness.”
She added:
“This could help Zimbabwean youths to deeply question their decisions before acting, so they can carry themselves with personal respect and mindfulness.
“Studying Musical Arts at A-Level gave me an in-depth understanding of how to manage myself as an upcoming musician.
“The five Musical Arts CALAs that we were given provided me with a practical approach to the subject. I had CALAs that required me to organise a musical concert, plan an event and write a programme for an event.”
She has been fascinated with writing songs.
“For my final Musical Arts examination project under ZIMSEC, we were given a list of questions and asked to choose a project to carry out.
“I chose a question that required me to write a song about moral decadence among Zimbabwean youths.
“The song was expected to cover issues of sexual immorality, abortion, drug and substance abuse and disrespect.
“Therefore, it was supposed to serve as an awareness campaign against these negative attributes.
“My music is a combination of Afro-Jazz and mbira music. For my song ‘Munhu Hunhu,’ I worked with Clive Mukundu, who was my music producer, and Nicholar Mutuwa, who was my back-up vocalist.
“The musicians who inspire me the most in my music style are Jah Prayzah, Hope Masike, Feli Nandi and Oliver Mtukudzi.
“When I wrote my song ‘Munhu Hunhu,’ many factors influenced me. My musical journey started when I was in Form 1. I took up Musical Arts as a practical subject, which is how I discovered my talent.”
Nicole hopes to pursue both her budding music career and her studies in medicine.
“In five years’ time, I see myself in the medical profession while also being an influential musician in the musical industry.
“I believe that both passion and talent can co-exist. I use my music to express and voice different perspectives on life, hoping it can resonate with many people as it spreads.
“The most significant challenge I faced was when Musical Arts was not yet offered as an Advanced Level subject at my school.
“Fortunately, that challenge was resolved in time.
“My biggest success since discovering my love for music was when I performed my song at school, and my peers responded with enthusiasm.
“That, for me, was reassurance that I made a great decision in studying Musical Arts. I learnt how to use words to make a positive influence in other people’s lives.”
Mathew Masinge