Nox ditches SA returns to Zimbabwe after 18 years

After nearly two decades in South Africa, Urban Grooves star Nox has announced his permanent return to Zimbabwe, describing the move as one of the most important decisions of his life.

The musician, born Enock Guni and popularly known for hit songs such as Ndinonyara, My Melody and Stay with Me, says he has relocated home permanently and has no plans to return to South Africa, where he built much of his music career over the past 18 years.

To mark the transition, Nox is set to release a new single titled Bye Bye South Africa, produced by his longtime collaborator Mr Brown. The song serves as a farewell tribute to the country that became his second home.

"The idea for the song came about when I finally decided to move back home. It's a very personal song for me because South Africa has been a huge part of my life since 2008. I spent about 17 or 18 years there and experienced so many good things. The song reflects on those memories and expresses my gratitude for everything I learnt and achieved while living there," said Nox.

The Zaka-born artist said working with Mr Brown on the track was a natural choice given their longstanding friendship and professional relationship.

"Mr Brown is more than just a producer to me. We've worked together for years, alongside Makhadzi. We were like family and even lived in the same neighbourhood. Having him produce the song made the project even more special," he said.

Although his announcement comes at a time when some Africans are reconsidering their future in South Africa amid recurring xenophobic tensions, Nox said his decision was unrelated to recent developments.

"My decision was not influenced by what's happening now. I'd already made up my mind last year and even mentioned it in the song. This is something I planned well in advance," he said.

According to the musician, frequent visits to Zimbabwe over the years convinced him that the country had changed significantly and now offered promising opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship.

"Every time I visited Zimbabwe, I could see the progress that was being made. The difference between the Zimbabwe I left and the Zimbabwe of today is remarkable. I truly believe this is a land of opportunities and the right time for Zimbabweans abroad to consider coming back home," he said.

Nox also commended initiatives aimed at empowering young people through entrepreneurship and economic participation.

Now back in Zimbabwe, the musician says he intends to broaden his focus beyond music by investing in mining and agriculture.

"I have a lot planned. Music remains an important part of my life, but I'm also venturing into mining and farming. These are industries that make me proud to be Zimbabwean and allow me to contribute to the country's growth," he said.

"I want to play my part in building Zimbabwe. That's one of the reasons I decided to return. I'd even like to start a campaign encouraging Zimbabweans abroad to come back home and see the opportunities for themselves. There's simply no place like home."

Nox joins a growing list of Zimbabwean creatives who have recently returned home after spending years in South Africa. Among them is content creator Better Kudakwashe Madhuyu, popularly known as Tytie, who recently relocated to Zimbabwe with his family.

Other artists who have re-established themselves in Zimbabwe after building careers in South Africa include members of Dubia Masters, Insimbi ZeZhwane, Mcebisi and AmaThonga Amahle, Mxolisi "Mr Bones" Ndlovu and Mlambos Express Band.

For Nox, however, the move is about more than a change of address. It is the beginning of a new chapter centred on investment, national development and reconnecting with the country he still calls home.