Searching (Nzira)
Vimbai Mango , Footshooter

British-Zimbabwean soul singer, producer, and composer Vimbai Mango releases her debut single on Tru Thoughts, Searching (Nzira), with labelmate Footshooter. The piece celebrates self-discovery and transformation through collaboration with a foundation of electronic textures, intricate jazz harmonies, and soulful vocal play. Featuring delicate spoken word and tenderly sung verses, Vimbai’s voice ties together the broken beat and African-inspired instrumentation. The piece is a foretaste of Vimbai Mango’s upcoming EP of the same name, Searching (Nzira).

Nzira, which translates to “the journey” in Shona, a Bantu language spoken by the Shona people of Zimbabwe and Mozambique, perfectly captures the essence of the EP. “That’s exactly what this project has been,” Vimbai explains, adding, “it started at a time when so many of us were searching for connection and clarity. Nzira is a reflection of identity, heritage, and the power of collaboration. It’s about navigating where we’ve come from and where we’re going, through sound.” 

Vimbai Mango’s output encapsulates the first-generation immigrant experience, embracing electronic, African rhythms, jazz instrumentation, and folk-spoken word in both English and Shona. She often incorporates traditional African instruments such as the mbira, creating a sound that bridges ancestral influences with modern sonic landscapes. Vimbai’s music is deeply rooted in storytelling, drawing from her multicultural journey from Zimbabwe to Spain, Bristol to Brighton, she explores themes of transformation, identity, and cultural fusion.

“The mission was to build something drawing on Vimbai’s Zimbabwean heritage but also paying homage to U.K. house, broken beat, jazz, soul and trip hop that we both love. We very much co-produced this one.” – Footshooter

Vimbai has worked with acclaimed producers and artists such as Beringei, Arnheim, and Andrés Alcover. She has performed at prestigious venues and festivals, including Glastonbury and Rich Mix. As a band, Vimbai has played as part of the Bristol-based band Konketsu and the Afrobeat ensemble Matuki.