Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
South Africa-based urban contemporary exponent Enock “Nox” Guni firmly believes in the power of collaborations, which have worked in his favour.
The singer, who has been in the industry for 22 years as a professional, noted that it was difficult to penetrate the South African market until he decided to collaborate with their superstars.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Nox vowed to continue working hard despite making significant strides across the Limpopo.
“To be honest, it’s never easy for foreigners to be embraced by South Africa, as they tend to respect their own stars,” Nox conceded.
“In my case, I initially targeted Zimbabwean fans residing here, but I later realised that I had to devise a formula to win the hearts of South Africans. I collaborated with Master a few months after the success of his song ‘Jerusalema’, which was a global hit.
“With him, I recorded the song ‘My Melody’, which cemented my appeal in South Africa. I went on to record another hit featuring DJ Tira called ‘Stay with Me’, which has been embraced by many fans.”
Besides major collaborations, he shared insights on how he has managed to settle in South Africa.
“In South Africa, we have seen big corporates stepping in to sponsor musicians, and it has always been my wish to see the same happening back home in Zimbabwe. The music industry in SA is properly regulated, and I am lucky to be embraced here.”
“Another factor contributing to my success is that my affairs are being run professionally.
“In South Africa, you only make it to the top through professionalism. You can’t achieve acclaim if you are not professional because people investing their money want to deal with professionals,” he pointed out.
Nox, who is basking in the success of his 16th album titled “Change of Plans”, told this publication that he still has Zimbabwean fans at heart.
“I will always remain a Zimbabwean, and I cherish everything about my country, even though I have been embraced here in South Africa. I have lined up a homecoming tour in Zimbabwe starting in early November and stretching into 2026.”
“This is the best way to reconnect with my fans back home as well as to market my new album.
“I hold similar tours every year, but this time I have decided to honour my fans back home because I value them and everything they have done for me over the years,” he emphasised.
Touted as one of the pioneers of urban contemporary music, or simply urban grooves, Nox has adopted South Africa as his second home.
“It was not easy settling here, but we keep pushing and creating more music for the people. There are several Zimbabwean musicians residing here, but it’s not easy for most of them to settle down.
“The main reason is that South Africans are deeply in love with their own stars. The best way to win their hearts is to collaborate with their stars so that they get to know you better. This has been the trend for most Zimbabweans who come here and collaborate with locals,” he added.
Over the years, the late national hero remains one of the revered acts who was adored in South Africa.
He is famed for major collaborations with the likes of Ringo Madlingozi, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Mi Casa, and Freshlyground, among others.
Jah Prayzah seems to be following the same template, having collaborated with Mafikizolo, Makhadzi, DJ Maphorisa and Master KG.
Fellow Zimbabwean musician and producer Mr Brown is arguably one of the most sought-after creatives, commanding a huge following in South Africa.
Born Lynol Siwela in Gweru, Mr Brown is credited with the success of top South African musicians, including Makhadzi, Master KG, Nomcebo Zikode and Kabza De Small among others.
