Nearly three decades after the late Bright “Livewire” Nkhata and Makasu Band recorded the classic song “Muroyi” in Zimbabwe, Jai Banda of Entertainers Promotions, Phyzix, Makasu Band and Pon G have united to give the song new life for a new generation.
The new version, titled “Muroyi”, features Phyzix, Makasu Band and Pon G, with Kizzo B on the hook. Production brings together Sameface Beatz, Pon G and Phyzix.
The original song was recorded in 1997 at Prince Tendai’s High Density Studios in Zimbabwe, with veteran promoter Sir Jai Banda supporting the journey.
In an interview with The Atlas, Banda said the decision to revisit the song was driven by a desire to preserve Malawi’s musical heritage while making the classic accessible to younger audiences.
“Muroyi is part of Malawi’s musical history. Almost three decades later, I felt this was a beautiful piece of our musical heritage that deserved to live again and reach another generation,” he said.
Banda said the project was also personal because his mother loved the original song and he grew up knowing it.
He said working on the new version therefore feels like connecting his personal memories with Malawi’s musical history.
Banda stressed that the new version was not intended to replace the original but to honour it while giving it a contemporary interpretation.
“You cannot replace a classic. We are honouring it, preserving its identity and introducing it to people who may have been too young, or not even born, when it first came out,” he said.
“At the same time, we are celebrating Bright Nkhata, Makasu Band and the musicians and promoters who helped build our music industry.”
The new version combines the original sound associated with Makasu Band with contemporary hip hop.
Phyzix said his verses reinterpret the idea of “Muroyi” for today’s audience, portraying the “witch” as someone who does not want to see others progress, interferes with their plans or celebrates their downfall.
“I believe that is actually what makes the project exciting. Music has changed tremendously over the years, but great melodies, great ideas and great music do not necessarily expire,” Phyzix said.
“We have kept the soul and recognisable elements of Muroyi while approaching the new version from a contemporary perspective. I bring hip hop into it through my verses, Makasu Band provides the authentic connection to the original sound, and Pon G brings another dimension to the record.”
Phyzix said the new interpretation gives the song a message that younger listeners can relate to.
“In my verses, Muroyi becomes the hater, the person who does not want to see you progress, who wants to interfere with your plans or celebrates your downfall. That is something people can still relate to today,” he said.
He said the project could serve as a bridge between generations rather than simply being a remake.
Banda, who was involved in the original 1997 production in Zimbabwe, said the revival was also an opportunity to preserve the history of the song.
“Muroyi has a special place in our music history and also in my journey as a promoter,” he said.
“Seeing Phyzix and the band revisit the song almost three decades later is a good way of preserving that history while introducing it to a new generation.”
Banda said the project is targeting both older and younger audiences.
“We want people who grew up listening to Bright Nkhata and Makasu Band to hear the song and reconnect with those memories. Equally important, we want younger audiences who know Phyzix and contemporary Malawian music to discover Muroyi and hopefully become curious about the original song and the history behind it,” he said.
He said the project also carries a regional dimension because of the song’s Malawi-Zimbabwe connection and its use of Shona alongside its Malawian musical identity.
“Ultimately, this is music for both generations. It is for those who remember Muroyi and those who are about to hear it for the first time. We also hope it can travel beyond Malawi and connect with audiences across the region,” Banda said.
“For me, this project is bigger than simply bringing back a song. It is about bringing generations together, reconnecting with our musical history, honouring those who came before us and allowing a great Malawian classic to live again.”
