‘Music Never Left Me’: Kenny Kunene Makes Bold Music Comeback With New Single Hamba
City of Johannesburg Road and Transport MMC Kenny Kunene is returning to his musical roots to address urgent social issues, including gender-based violence and femicide.
Kunene, once famously known as the “Sushi King,” has in recent years shifted his public persona toward politics, but insists that music has always been an inseparable part of his life.
Speaking to Sunday World on Friday, he said his latest single blends art and advocacy.
Also Read: High Court Orders Kenny Kunene to Issue Public Apology for Malema “Cockroach” Comment
New Single ‘Hamba’ Carries a Message for Women
Kunene’s new song, Hamba, featuring Soulful G and TheologyHD, delivers a story centered on a woman exhausted by emotional and spiritual battles in a troubled relationship.
“We dropped this song at this time when people are talking about GBV and violence against women. The song is a story from a woman’s perspective… she is tired of a man who is not doing right by her,” Kunene explained.
He predicted that the song’s message would remain relevant for the next decade.
Kunene Says Music Will Not Interfere With Political Duties
Despite his demanding schedule as MMC, Kunene said his music commitments do not disrupt his political responsibilities.
“I have been DJing; I play at stadiums mostly when I have time, especially on weekends. Because during the week I do political work,” he said.
He added that even during his time in prison, his passion for entertaining people drove him to arrange music sessions for inmates.
Plans for National Tour With Anti-GBV Campaign Focus
Kunene revealed that he and his collaborators will soon begin performing at local establishments across Johannesburg before embarking on a national tour.
“We will do a national tour for the song, talking to anti-GBV campaigns,” he said. “We already have a few places in Durban, KZN and others in Johannesburg. When I am held up in my political work, the people I work with will carry on.”