Inspired by family and global icons: The musical evolution of Amany

YEMURAI Nyoni, better known as Amany, has set his sights on a grand ambition — to make his music brand a household name in Zimbabwe, expand its reach regionally and globally, and establish a record label that nurtures talented musicians from Bulawayo.

Amany has already made significant strides in his career. In just four years, he has released over 30 singles, including hits like Daideng, Emathandweni, Dead to Love, I Miss You, Free and his latest, Novuyo.

Despite the modest earnings from his gigs — the most he’s ever earned from a single performance is a mere US$50 — Amany remains undeterred in his pursuit of musical success. A versatile musician and songwriter, Amany tells stories through a variety of genres.

Focused on House, Amapiano, and Afrotech, he’s working on a ground-breaking fusion of these styles. His musical journey has been diverse, with previous projects spanning hip-hop, gospel, afrosoul, afropop, and dancehall.

Amany’s passion for music is deeply rooted in his family’s love for it. His stage name, short for “A Man Named Yemurai,” reflects his ambition to create a unique genre by blending house, amapiano, and afrotech.

“Some of my early musical inspirations were drawn from my brothers. One of them would always bring home the latest music, engineered his own sound system for the house, and later set up his own club/leisure spot in the city.

“My other brother had a stint as a DJ, and we would remix songs on the go with him. He creates Gqom music using AI and periodically goes on tour as a DJ. My current focus is house, amapiano, and afrotech. I’m working on an album based on a fusion of these genres,” said the versatile songwriter who tells stories using different genres.

Amany’s journey started at Gifford High School in Bulawayo, where he completed his O-Levels and A-Levels. He then proceeded to the University of Westminster in London, where he attained a BA in Development Studies and International Relations.

In an interview with Saturday Chronicle, Amany says that the catalyst to his professional journey was Charlie Kay, a Zimbabwean singer based in the United Kingdom.

“He (Kay) heard some of the song ideas I had and urged me to get into the studio and become a recording artiste. I worked with him on my first few demos, and that kicked off my professional musical journey,” said Amany, adding that he went to the same church and university with Kay.

He also revealed he used his talent to lead and coordinate songs in the praise and worship team at church.

“I would remix church songs and add lyrics to them. That said, I’ve always had a love for music; it was just a matter of time before I put some music out there.”

Amany also derives inspiration from other artistes who have influenced him musically.

“I draw inspiration from the versatility of Rocqui, the global reach of Elvis Presley, the vocal range of Jacob Banks, the lyrical sharpness of Asaph, the stage presence of Winky D, and the cultural influence of DJ Cleo,” he said with a chuckle.

Amany’s notable projects include his first album, State of Mind, which thrust him onto the musical map in the city, and a host of popular collaborations.

“More recently, I’ve experienced local success with some singles and collaborative projects, including Daideng, Novuyo, I Miss You, Thixo, and Koloyi. I’m overdue for a collaboration with Asaph and Mawiza. I’m looking out for the right collaborations with producers and artistes from South Africa, Tanzania, and Angola.

“I see Amany Sound as a competitive sound company, helping local artistes take their music directly to fans across the country. I see Amany Pictures as a cutting-edge visual storytelling platform to relay local stories through music. I also aim to create timeless music, influence the culture, and help transform the music industry,” he said.

Amany describes himself as an Afro-Soul singer-songwriter, telling stories of love and hope amidst hardships through creative choreography and versatile vocal delivery backed by a live band.

As a Pan-African artiste, Amany says his music transcends geographical boundaries as he writes songs in English, IsiNdebele, ChiShona, SeSotho, KiSwahili, and Portuguese.

He has collaborated with the likes of GachiB, Calvin, C.M.K, Pauline Njini, Msizi Kay, and Tanzanian William Otuck.
With his career as an artiste constantly evolving, he has performed at various events, including the Bulawayo Arts Awards, Bulawayo Mayor’s Christmas Cheer Fund, #ILoveMsizKayConcert, Blaq Diamond Concert, Kasi2Kasi Tour, International Women’s Day Commemoration, and National Art Gallery in Bulawayo.

Amany, who has worked with producers from Tanzania and the United Kingdom for his earlier releases, says he has learned some valuable lessons in the industry: there is no need to rush.

“The world won’t end if you don’t release that single by your deadline. Take your time and make sure you don’t reduce the quality of your work to meet timelines. Prepare your music and get it out when you’re fully satisfied with what you’ve produced,” he noted.

As a singer and songwriter, Amany reveals that the highest fee he has received for a music gig was a modest US$50. Despite this, he remains committed to investing in his music career, using funds from other sources in the hopes of future success.

“The second most was US$30 I got from digital royalties at the start of last year. I haven’t seen the financial value of music yet as a singer-songwriter. I believe there is more money to be made as a producer, instrumentalist, or service provider (sound, stage, lights, etc.),” he said.

One of his upcoming projects includes the Indlela EP, which he is finalising. It is stalled as one of his lead vocalists for the project left the country, so he has to wait until she returns and will release it at the start of 2025, God-willing.

“I have completed a single with CTL called Inhliziyo. I’ll likely release it with a video in November. I’m also doing interesting work with Murphy Cubic and Ntu2kaymusic. We’re working on EPs that will hopefully be released in 2025 as well,” he said, adding that his family was his first audience, hence all his music should be family-friendly.

“It has to be meaningful and entertaining for them before I can release it to the rest of the world. They also keep me grounded, so I don’t lose myself in the fast-paced world of music.”