Zimbabwean artist EX Q made history with the launch of his new album Rhaka Rhaka at The Hangar in Wolverhampton on Saturday, 23 August 2025. The landmark event, organised by Kivos Santana of Straight Outta UK, attracted more than 2,000 fans and marked the first official UK album launch by a Zimbabwean musician. It was a night that celebrated culture, music, and community, while also highlighting Zimbabwe’s growing influence on the global music stage.
The evening was more than just an album release. It was a showcase of Southern Africa’s creative firepower. Awa Khiwe, Eemoh, Delroy, Trevor D, DJ Tamuka and Master H delivered standout performances, setting the stage for EX Q’s headline act. Nutty O, one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent contemporary stars, lit up the venue with his chart-topping hit Too Much, leaving the crowd roaring. Master H’s explosive stage presence also ensured the night belonged not just to one artist, but to a collective movement of Zimbabwean talent rising internationally.
Fashion played its part in making the concert a full cultural experience. Truth Apparel Worldwide, the Zimbabwean-owned brand founded by Dylan and Dean Mudavanhu, supplied stylish backstage gear and crafted Nutty O’s striking custom green leather outfit. Adorned with the words “ABX” and “Mr Too Much,” the outfit symbolised how music, fashion, and diaspora entrepreneurship are increasingly intertwined, reshaping Zimbabwe’s cultural identity abroad.
Behind the scenes, DJ Tamuka has been a crucial force in shaping the sound of Rhaka Rhaka. His collaborations with both EX Q and Nutty O illustrate the fusion of tradition and innovation that defines Zimbabwe’s modern music scene. Known for his versatility, DJ Tamuka has been instrumental in bridging generations of artists, ensuring that Zimbabwean music continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its origins.
When EX Q finally took the stage, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Fans sang every lyric, and the venue came alive with a sea of phone lights capturing the moment. The setlist balanced fresh tracks from Rhaka Rhaka with timeless classics like Ndichakutevera, Musikana Akanaka, and Mazirudo. The performance was not only a celebration of his new music but also a testament to his enduring legacy as one of Zimbabwe’s most versatile and beloved artists.
Born Enock Munhenga, EX Q rose to prominence in the early 2000s during the Urban Grooves movement, which blended R&B, hip hop, dancehall, and traditional Zimbabwean sounds. Alongside contemporaries like Roki and Stunner, he gave a generation its soundtrack, proving that Zimbabwean music could be both global in outlook and grounded in local realities. Over two decades later, EX Q has adapted seamlessly to new eras, moving from the CD age to the streaming era while maintaining his position at the heart of Zimbabwe’s music story.
For the Zimbabwean diaspora in the UK, the Wolverhampton concert was more than entertainment—it was a cultural homecoming. With migration under Care Worker and Skilled Worker visa programs expanding the community, the demand for cultural events that celebrate identity has never been higher. Concerts like this provide a bridge between generations, mixing Shona, Ndebele, and English in ways that resonate with both older audiences and second-generation Zimbabweans.
The significance of this launch stretches beyond the Zimbabwean community. Rhaka Rhaka’s debut in the UK signals the entry of Zimbabwean music into the global mainstream, positioning it alongside Afrobeats, Amapiano, and dancehall. For EX Q, choosing the UK as the stage for his album release underscores the importance of the diaspora and acknowledges that Zimbabwean music’s future is international.
As fans poured out of The Hangar into the Wolverhampton night, one message was clear: Zimbabwean music has entered a new chapter. With Rhaka Rhaka, EX Q not only reasserts his legacy but also secures his role as a pioneer leading Zimbabwe’s sound onto the global stage.
