The Bulawayo Children’s Choir has been buzzing with excitement ever since the release of their latest single, “Yes I Can,” a vibrant collaboration with Zimbabwean artist Asaph Afrika and the production duo Meet Luminous.

The song, which dropped to critical acclaim, is more than just a catchy tune as it has turned out to be an anthem of empowerment for the nation’s youth.

Trevor Mawaka, director of the Bulawayo Children’s Choir, spoke to My Kasi Magazine about the moment the track finally hit the public ear.

“Yes I Can finally being out in the world feels surreal and incredibly rewarding,” he said.

His voice echoing the pride that fills the choir’s modest rehearsal space.

“For us at the Bulawayo Children’s Choir, this song represents the culmination of months of hard work, hope and belief in our young people. Knowing it’s now reaching ears in Zimbabwe and beyond is a dream come true it’s an affirmation that their voices matter globally.”

He further said,the release of the track marks not just a musical achievement but a milestone of empowerment for the choir members who poured their energy and hearts into every note.

The realisation that “Yes I Can” had to be the song to share with Zimbabwe and beyond hit during a rehearsal session, according to Mawaka.

“As the kids started singing the chorus, the energy in the hall was electric; the lyrics ‘Yes I Can’ resonated deep within the space, and the children’s faces lit up with a spark of confidence,” he recalled.

“In that instant it became clear that this wasn’t just a song for our choir, it’s an anthem that Zimbabwe’s youth need to hear and own, with potential to inspire far outside our borders,” he said.

The partnership with Asaph Afrika a multi award winning artist and Meet Luminous came about naturally according to Mawaka.

“We’ve been admirers of Asaph Afrika’s work, appreciating his blend of cultural depth and contemporary sound – When discussions for a collaborative project began, it felt like a fit both artistically and in terms of shared values of empowerment.”

Meet Luminous brought a fresh, luminous energy and a modern production style that complements the choir’s youthful vigor.

Manaka further explained, “Networking at a local music forum sparked the initial talk, and once we explored the concept of ‘Yes I Can,’ the partnership clicked, uniting different strengths under a common message.”

What surprised Mawaka most about working together across different styles and generations was the seamless melding of ages.

“Kids as young as 9 harmonising with Asaph’s Afro‑jazz touches and Meet Luminous’s production flair was a beautiful sight,” he said.

“Trust and creativity flourished quickly; the respect across ages and musical backgrounds turned potential differences into strengths. Seeing choir kids learn from the artists’ professionalism while also teaching them the joy of communal singing was hugely rewarding and highlighted the power of collaboration.”

The song draws its heart from real stories of the choir’s members. Mawaka shared a poignant example: “We hear weekly accounts of kids overcoming personal hurdles—whether academic challenges, socio‑economic hardships, or just finding their voice. A standout instance was a young chorister who, despite limited resources at home, fought to stay in school and used music as his escape; his determination became a thread in the lyrics, turning ‘I can’ into a collective shout of possibility for Zimbabwe’s youth.” Those stories, he said, are woven into every line of “Yes I Can,” capturing a spirit of resilience and belief.

Looking ahead, Mawaka hopes the anthem becomes a daily reminder for listeners to believe in their own potential. The excitement surrounding “Yes I Can” has been amplified by the choir’s recent nomination for the PRACAS awards this was confirmed by Trevor.

“We’re absolutely thrilled and humbled to have been nominated for the PRACAS awards!”

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our amazing choir members, directors, and supporters. We’re proud to be part of such a vibrant musical community in Zimbabwe, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share our music with audiences here and beyond,” said Trevor.