Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
AFTER nearly two decades in South Africa, Urban Grooves star Nox (Enock Guni) has made what he describes as one of the most significant decisions of his life — returning home to Zimbabwe for good.
The Zaka-born musician, best known for hits such as Ndinonyara, My Melody and Stay with Me featuring DJ Tira, has revealed that he has permanently relocated to Zimbabwe and has no plans to return to South Africa, a country that played a pivotal role in shaping both his personal life and musical career.
To mark the end of an era, Nox is set to release a new single titled Bye Bye South Africa, produced by longtime collaborator Mr Brown. The song serves as a heartfelt farewell to the country he called home for nearly 18 years.
“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.
He said working with Mr Brown, a renowned Zimbabwean producer based in the neighbouring country, on the track was a natural choice given their longstanding friendship and professional relationship.
“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.”
While a growing number of Africans have recently left South Africa amid recurring xenophobic tensions, Nox stressed that his decision was unrelated to those developments. Instead, he said the move had been carefully planned long before it became a broader trend.
“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.
The musician said frequent visits home over the years convinced him that Zimbabwe had evolved significantly and was now offering numerous opportunities for those 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.”
Nox also praised efforts by the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa to empower young people through entrepreneurship and economic participation.
The musician said that, now back home, he is focused on diversifying his interests beyond music by investing in sectors such as mining and agriculture.
“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.
“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.”
Nox’s return comes amid a broader trend of Zimbabwean creatives relocating home after spending years in South Africa. Among them is content creator Better Kudakwashe Madhuyu, popularly known as Tytie, who recently returned to Zimbabwe with his family.
Several musicians who previously built successful careers in South Africa have also re-established themselves in Zimbabwe, including members of Dubia Masters, Insimbi ZeZhwane, Mcebisi and AmaThonga Amahle, Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu and Mlambos Express Band.
