UK-based crooner retraces African footprints

A UNITED KINGDOM-BASED Zimbabwe-born singer, Shingai, yesterday released an accompanying short film titled “Ancient Future” to her debut four-track extended play (EP) produced sometime in June this year.

Born Shingai Shoniwa, the former Nousette bassist, traces the African heritage and celebrates embracing the afro-futurism in the short film she co-penned with Derrick Kakembo.

The short film also dwells on resilience and modern civilisation.

“Modern civilisation is based on incredible ancient civilisations that are systematically discredited,” she said. “I am really excited about evolution, evolving as a woman, as a human being and as an artist.

“I feel in order to have the future we want, especially in this tense moment in the world, we need to learn from many ancient civilisations.

“Ancient Futures” is about asking if it is possible to go forward without making peace with our past. It is a chance to raise our vibrations and not repeat mistakes.

“The film zooms in on a variety of subjects focusing on black masculinity, resilience and Afro-futurism. It is an accompanying project to the EP, which carries songs like “Coming Home”, “Zimtron”, “Revolution” and “Champion Styles.”

With an effervescent sound scope, the “Ancient Futures” EP is infused with a soulful, yet boisterous spirit, which is both electrifying and compelling.

It is an extension of her artistic synergy from the collaborations she did with Dave Okumu, Daniel Smith (Noisettes), Gadi Sassoon, Jean-Baptise Kouame and Zimbabwe-born Gabriel Makamanzi, among others.