By Innocent Veremu
Born in Masvingo as Takura Shonhai, the multi-award-winning Zimbabwean musician and creative force first rose to fame as part of the R&B group Soul Afrika before launching his solo career in 2016. His debut EP, Stripped catapulted him to stardom with chart-topping hits, solidifying his place in the industry. While he never officially crowned himself the “Shona Prince,” the title stuck—a testament to his cultural impact and mastery of Shona-language music.
Now, under the moniker Shona Prince, he unveils Pariah —an album that lays bare his struggles with identity, faith, and belonging. The title speaks volumes: Pariah embodies the outcast, the marginalized, the one who doesn’t fit. And for Takura, this project is a confession—a reflection of his own battles with feeling like an outsider.
Originally released as a YouTube exclusive on February 28, 2025, Pariah finally arrived on all digital streaming platforms (DSPs) a month later, on March 28, giving fans worldwide full access to what may be his final musical statement.
An Album for the Outcasts
For an artist who has openly battled mental health struggles and even announced his retirement from music multiple times, Pariah feels like a long, necessary exhale. In February 2024, Takura took to Instagram, declaring:
“This is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do… but I’ve finally decided to hang the boots. I’m tired.”
Fans held onto hope for a sequel to his classic Someone Had to Do It, but with Pariah, Takura seems to be closing the chapter—for real this time.
The album opens with “My Side” (feat. Zimpraise), a haunting plea to a higher power: “Dear God, it’s me again, I know you said you’d answer me but when?” It’s the cry of a man wrestling with faith, doubt, and his own demons. The follow-up track, “Simba,” offers a glimmer of hope—a reminder that strength comes from knowing “Jesus loves me despite it all.”
Throughout Pariah, Takura dissects what it means to feel disconnected—not just from the world, but from himself. “Wazodai (Do You)” poses a piercing question: Do you treat yourself with the same love and care you’d give to someone else? The album’s thematic depth is undeniable, yet it doesn’t drown in its own weight.
One standout moment comes with “Ngowani”, a track that has since taken TikTok by storm. With its infectious rhythm and thought-provoking wordplay, the song has inspired countless TikTok challenges across social media. The term “ngowani”—a covering for the head, often associated with hats or traditional headwear—becomes a metaphorical device in Takura’s lyrics, symbolizing protection, identity, and self-reflection. Its viral success underscores Takura’s ability to blend cultural relevance with universal appeal.
A Balanced Masterpiece
Pariah blends introspection with the smooth R&B/pop sound that made Takura a household name. Tracks like “Blaz Vebhosvo” (with its playful nod to Nutin Nuh Go So)
Production-wise, the album is polished and refined. Features from Maeywon, Max Ari, Nutty O, Shannon, and Zimpraise enrich the project without overshadowing its central theme.
Takura wears his scars openly on Pariah, transforming pain into art. It’s an album about embracing the outcast within—and in that, it’s nothing short of triumphant.
The album closes with “Let It Rain”, an Afrobeat-infused track driven by hypnotic drum patterns and soulful melodies. Here, Takura reflects deeply on his exit from the music scene, likening his journey to a point of no return. He raps about having been everywhere and seen it all, yet remaining uncertain whether the Lord hears his cries. In poetic bars laced with wit and vulnerability, he muses on life’s unpredictability: “If it’s going to rain, there’s nothing I can do to stop it.”
He pleads with the divine to take away his pain, acknowledging that while he’s unsure of what lies ahead, he’s ready to let go and trust the process. The song serves as both a farewell and a cathartic release—an emotional crescendo that encapsulates the essence of Pariah.
The Legacy Question
In a 2021 GQ interview, Takura was asked: How do you want to be remembered?
His response:
“I want to be remembered as the guy who wasn’t afraid to take risks musically. Someone once said the difference between me and other artists is that I have guts. I hope I’ve inspired confidence in others—especially growing up in a society where support isn’t always guaranteed. I’m an artist. I can do anything. Look at Kanye West.”
Yet, with multiple “retirements” under his belt, fans still hold out hope that Pariah isn’t truly the end.
For now, though, Takura—the Shona Prince—has spoken. And his final bow is a masterpiece.
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