In a world where music transcends boundaries, M2M Band is forging a new path with Gumkanda, a genre born from the confluence of African traditions, spirituality, and relentless creativity.
The band’s recent success at the Chibuku Road to Fame competition, where they clinched first place in the Bulawayo finals and secured third place nationally, is proof to their transformative journey in music.
Zimbabwe’s music landscape has long been celebrated for its rich heritage, from the mbira’s spiritual resonance to the pulsating beats of sungura and jit.
Yet, as global influences continue to dominate airwaves, there’s a growing need for a resurgence of authentic and original local sounds that speak to the nation’s identity.
Enter Gumkanda, a genre pioneered by M2M Band, which embodies the fusion of Zimbabwean, West African, and South African influences, and resultantly creates a sound deeply rooted in the continent’s cultural heartbeat.
Gumkanda is not just music; it is a declaration of Zimbabwe’s artistic ingenuity.
It is characterised by acoustic guitar-driven melodies, inspired by spiritual connections and African traditions, that evoke a sense of belonging while carving a distinct identity in the modern music scene.
The genre’s unique blend of Ndebele and Shona languages mirrors the unity Zimbabwe seeks to achieve as a nation, offering a soundtrack to bridge cultural divides.
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“For us, Gumkanda is spiritual,” says Julius Tafadzwa Phiri, affectionately known as Justos, the visionary behind the band. “It is music that comes directly from the source, entering the soul and awakening the spirit. Every note is a journey into identity, memory, and connection.”
The Unity Day which we celebrate on December 22 in Zimbabwe is more than a commemoration; it is a call to reflect on the collective identity that binds the nation.
M2M Band, through their innovative Gumkanda genre, embodies this spirit of unity by drawing inspiration from Zimbabwe’s two primary languages, Ndebele and Shona.
Their music transcends linguistic boundaries, creating a harmonious blend that serves as a cultural bridge uniting diverse listeners within Zimbabwe and beyond.
“In Gumkanda, we found a way to speak to every Zimbabwean, regardless of their background,” explains Phiri.
“Our music draws from both Ndebele and Shona traditions, not to highlight differences but to celebrate how these two identities can coexist and create something beautiful.”
In a country with a rich but complex cultural tapestry, language has often been perceived as a dividing line.
Ndebele and Shona, while representing the majority, have sometimes symbolised historical and social divides.
Gumkanda turns this narrative on its head, using music as a unifying force.
By weaving elements from these languages into their melodies and lyrics, M2M Band celebrates the beauty of Zimbabwe’s linguistic duality, presenting it as a strength rather than a barrier.
Unity Day celebrations provide an ideal platform to amplify such artistic contributions.
The occasion calls for introspection on how Zimbabwe’s diverse communities can coexist and collaborate.
Artists like M2M Band play a crucial role in debunking language barriers and challenging cultural taboos through their craft.
Their music addresses contemporary struggles such as migration, identity, and resilience, while also celebrating shared aspirations for progress and harmony.
“As a band, we believe that music is spiritual it connects us to who we are and to each other,” explains Phiri.
"When we perform songs that blend Ndebele and Shona, we are not just entertaining but building bridges. We are reminding people that unity is not about uniformity but about celebrating diversity.”
Gumkanda’s influence stretches beyond its sound; it fosters dialogue and connection.
By performing songs that integrate Ndebele and Shona, M2M Band invites audiences to embrace a shared African heritage, breaking down the silos of language.
This approach has the potential to bridge generational and cultural gaps, as younger audiences find pride in music that reflects their roots, while older generations see a revival of traditional values through modern interpretations.
“Unity Day is the perfect time to highlight the importance of collaboration,” Phiri adds
“As Zimbabweans, we have so much to learn from one another. Gumkanda is our way of showing that when we come together, we can create something unique and powerful.”
Moreover, the genre’s spiritual undertones and use of acoustic guitar resonate deeply with Zimbabwe’s cultural and historical identity.
It reminds listeners of a time when music was not just entertainment but a medium of storytelling, healing, and resistance.
This connection to the past, combined with contemporary relevance, makes Gumkanda a perfect symbol for Unity Day celebrations a bold declaration of a future where Zimbabweans are united by shared values, cultural pride, and mutual respect.
As artists continue to explore and innovate within Zimbabwe’s cultural framework, they play an essential role in fostering national cohesion. Gumkanda, with its unique fusion and universal appeal, demonstrates the power of music to transcend linguistic divides, challenge societal norms, and create a sense of belonging.
On Unity Day and beyond, such artistry reminds the nation of the possibilities that emerge when diversity is celebrated and harnessed for the greater good.
“Music has the power to heal and bring people together,” Phiri explained to Standard Style.
“Through Gumkanda, we’re not just making music; we’re making connections, and that’s what Unity Day is all about.” “Introducing Gumkanda to a foreign audience was a challenge that reshaped us,” he explained. “We worked hard to influence Botswana’s cultural landscape, and the experience strengthened our identity as Zimbabweans.”
Botswana’s embrace of Gumkanda gave the band the confidence to return home and share their music with local audiences, where the familiarity of language and culture allowed their genre to resonate deeply. This foundation propelled M2M Band to the national stage at Chibuku Road to Fame, where they proved that their music could unite and inspire.
“Botswana taught us the power of perseverance,” Phiri reflects. “It reminded us that our music is not just ours — it’s Africa’s.”
M2M Band’s journey is a reminder of music’s power to transcend. From the streets of Bulawayo to the cultural crossroads of Botswana, and now onto the national stage, Gumkanda is more than a genre it’s a movement.
An upcoming event at Food Connect (opposite Mwos Betting Shop) in Bulawayo on 28 December offers more than just a performance it will be a moment to celebrate resilience, unity, and cultural pride.
Set to run from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Phiri says the event provides an intimate space to engage with the rhythms of M2M Band and the message of their unique Gumkanda sound.
For M2M Band, this Unity Day-inspired celebration holds deep significance.
“Our music is about breaking barriers and finding harmony in diversity,” Phiri said.
This event invites everyone to come together in the spirit of connection and shared heritage, celebrating the unifying power of music in Zimbabwe’s cultural landscape.
Phiri humbly acknowledges that while he may have pioneered the vision, the band’s success is a collective effort.
“My vision carriers and my bandmates are the heart of M2M. Together, we are creating something timeless.”
As M2M Band prepares to take the stage on December 28, audiences can expect not just a performance, but an experience that uplifts, unites, and inspires.
In Gumkanda, they will find the rhythm of Africa’s past and the heartbeat of its future.
- Raymond Millagre Langa is a musician, poet, orator, independent researcher and founder of Indebo edutainment Trust. You can follow on Facebook @Millagre Ray Langa, on X you can follow on #Millagre Langa, email. millagrepapito@gmail.com or indebotrust@gmail.com
