Online Reporter
Blessing Karubwa Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Emerging Afro-beats artiste Wispy M’salad believes that his native language, Tshivenda, can travel the world, and he is determined to be the one to take it there.
After a four-year hiatus, the 26-year-old Beitbridge-born musician, real name Webson Ndou, has returned. His latest single, “Mbilu Yanga Yoneta”, a Tshivenda phrase meaning “My Heart is Tired”, is more than a heartbreak song; it is a declaration of cultural pride and artistic identity.
In a telephone interview, Wispy said he envisions his music crossing borders while representing a language often overlooked in mainstream African sounds.
“I see my career crossing borders. Other Afro-beats artistes are making music in their own languages and reaching the world, and I believe I can do that too, in Tshivenda,” he said.
The young artiste took a deliberate step away from Shona and English lyrics, choosing instead to express himself in his mother tongue, which he says allows him to connect more deeply with his emotions and audience.
“This is my first heartbreak song in Tshivenda. It’s different from anything I’ve done before. I realised that when I sing in my own language, I’m not limited lyrically, it feels authentic, it feels like me,” he said.
Wispy’s latest offering, a two-minute, eight-second Afro-beats track, carries both emotional weight and cross-cultural potential. It was inspired by a friend’s experiences with heartbreak.
“The song was inspired by a friend who gave up on umjolo (dating) after a series of heartbreaks. It’s not really a dedication, but a reflection of how sometimes life and love just wear you down,” said Wispy.
Having taken time off to complete his university studies, Wispy’s return marks the beginning of a new phase in his musical journey — one focused on rooted expression and global ambition.
Through “Mbilu Yanga Yoneta”, now available on Spotify and other digital platforms, Wispy hopes to carve a space for Tshivenda within the larger Afrobeats ecosystem, proving that the language of emotion knows no borders.
“Sometimes you just have to give up on relationships and focus on your life and personal growth. Pick yourself up and continue with life,” he said.
Private about his personal life but passionate about his craft, Wispy M’salad represents a growing movement of Zimbabwean creatives using indigenous languages to reach international audiences.
“After everything, I’ve learnt that your voice is your power. Mine just happens to speak in Tshivenda,” he said. – @Karubwa
