Awa Khiwe

AWA KHIWE - About the album:
"I am the village girl, because I grew up in the village, and it’s important for me to say that so other girls from the village can see themselves through me." The village girl has now seen the world and puts her experience into sound focusing on the realities of women in Zimbabwe that she cares for: where girls can be pushed into marriage, mothers raising children alone and young women face social pressures and economic challenges. AWA warns girls about men in flashy cars who offer empty promises, and she stands up for love that is built on choice rather than obligation.

"African Women Arise", AWA KHIWE’s long-awaited debut, is out now. Its opening track Zizobuya challenges the misuse of Lobola by telling the story of a woman who reclaims her freedom by sending the cows back. The album continues with songs about child marriage, domestic violence, labor migration and economic survival rooted in real experiences.

The sound blends Southern African influences with contemporary hip hop. AWA’s flow is fast and direct, marked by the distinctive clicks of her Ndebele mother tongue. Produced by Ghanaian Stallion, featuring driving guitars, vocal harmonies by Zimbabwe’s Mokoomba and brass sections from Ghana’s Kwashibu Area Band. It’s a sonic journey that honors where she comes from and points towards a bright future.