From ‘Kutonga Kwaro’ to The Mandionei Stories: The Journey To State House
18 February 2025
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By Shelton Muchena | Just like the hit ‘Kutonga Kwaro”, music lovers or rather political fanatics woke up to another prophecy ‘hidden’ in song, this time as ‘mandionei’ unexpectedly dropped on social media.
Fans and critics alike gathered around screens, eager to dissect the lyrics that seemed to weave a tale beyond mere entertainment.
The song echoed a warning, a firm, rhythmic heartbeat that resonated with the political landscape of Zimbabwe. Jah Prayzah, with his trademark fusion of contemporary beats and traditional melodies, channelled the voice of the disenchanted.
The lyrics were a clarion call, an impassioned reminder to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his inner circle: “Mandionei,” translated to “What will you do when the time comes?” rang like a warning bell against the backdrop of mounting corruption and political upheaval.

Hints of dissent had long simmered beneath the surface, igniting speculation about the loyalties in the ruling party.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, once deemed a formidable pillar of power, found himself navigating treacherous waters, surrounded by whispers of betrayal.
Jah Prayzah’s lyrics echoed Chiwenga’s own frustrations against those who believed themselves unassailable. These within the establishment, who had, in their hubris, underestimated the resolve of an awakened populace.

The visuals in the music video were striking—symbolism woven into every frame. Dark alleyways and bustling city streets depicted a nation in turmoil, shadows flitting across the screen like phantoms of discontent.
As the camera panned, a figure draped in black stood at the forefront, their eyes blazing with fierce determination. It was a powerful metaphor for “seeing in the dark,” a call to awareness and vigilance amid the oppressive silence that shrouded the nation’s struggles. The figure was not merely an observer; they were a harbinger of change, someone who had glimpsed the truth that lay hidden beneath the corruption and deceit.

The reference to Zvigananda, the once-powerful figure now relegated to whispers of the past, evoked a sense of urgency in the lyrics.
Jah Prayzah seemed to channel the unspoken fears of the country what happens when those who wield power disregard the very people they are meant to serve? Those around Mnangagwa, too, shuddered under the weight of the song’s implications, for it served as both a warning and a rallying cry.

In a twist of irony, while some officials plotted in the shadows, Jah Prayzah’s message illuminated their transgressions. The public’s collective consciousness was stirred; they were no longer mere spectators but active participants in a narrative that demanded accountability. The corrupt, lurking, like predators in the shadows felt the pulse of the people—and the rhythm of “Mandionei” became the anthem of a movement seeking justice.

As the final chorus echoed through their minds, the message rang clear: “Those who think they are untouchable will soon face the reckoning.”** The vibrant colours of the video clashed with the bleak reality, creating a juxtaposition that couldn’t be ignored. Visuals of an unseen army mobilising, reminiscent of guerrilla warfare, suggested that a fight for justice was brewing below the surface.

Social media responses surged, debates ignited, and conversations flowed like rivers. Influencers, activists, and citizens alike rallied behind the song, sharing videos and commentary that dissected its meaning. The message was unmistakable: the power of music transcended entertainment, becoming a weapon against corruption and a source of hope for the future.

In the end, Jah Prayzah’s “Mandionei” was more than just a song it was a profound reminder that in the darkest times, the light of truth and unity could still rise, challenging the goliaths of corruption and greed that threatened to engulf Zimbabwe. As the people marched forward, inspired by the melodies that dared to speak truth to power, they understood that their voices mattered in the symphony of change.