There is a point in every true artist’s journey where the need for approval simply evaporates. No more chasing trends. No more twisting into pretzels to please the critics or the algorithms. For Bulawayo’s own multi-talented creator Muse, that moment is right now and it has been beautifully captured in his latest track, “Xola,” featuring the exquisite vocals of Luchi Shiki.
We sat down with Muse to break down the inspiration, the organic studio chemistry, and the local visual flavor behind what is setting up to be the winter’s ultimate feel-good anthem.

The title “Xola” carries immense weight, often tying into themes of peace, letting go, and finding closure. For Muse, the track is a personal manifesto of self-realization.

“At this point in my career, I’m beginning to embrace who I am more,” Muse tells us. “I’ve come a very long way and have accomplished quite a fair amount. I don’t feel the need to be apologetic for who I am and what I create at all. I’m an amazing artist and finding my tribe is the only goal.”

In a world obsessed with curation and likes, Muse is stepping away from the noise to protect his peace. “Trying to keep up with what is trending or how people will perceive what it is I have to offer is something that works against me,” he admits frankly. “I won’t buckle for ‘them’ or ‘they’ just so they can say he’s cool.”

Great collaborations aren’t manufactured; they are aligned by the universe. Having worked together on non-musical projects over the past year, getting into the booth was always a matter of when, not if. As it turned out, both artists were navigating identical emotional spaces when the stars finally aligned.
When they locked into the studio, Muse didn’t hand Luchi a rigid script. Instead, he gave her the creative freedom to follow her instincts.

The Approach: Muse played a selection of raw instrumentals and let Luchi gravitate toward the rhythm that matched her mood.

The Synergy: “She’s really an amazing vocalist. She’s intentional in her delivery, her tone is exquisite,” Muse says, praising his collaborator. “She came as herself and that’s what I wanted. No gimmicks, just raw Luchi Shiki magic.”

Musically, “Xola” boasts a clean, undeniable groove designed to get bodies moving instantly in any environment. But while Muse is known for his pristine sound and attention to technical detail, this particular session wasn’t about obsessing over compressor settings or microphone placement. It was about raw energy.

“It wasn’t about the equipment,” Muse explains. “With this session, it was more about focusing on her voice. Making sure she was comfortable, had warm water to keep vocal cords relaxed. It was a session based on capturing the best performance from Luchi.”

He describes the studio atmosphere as an ever-evolving, professional exchange of ideas, where initial takes served merely as a baseline for Luchi to build, adapt, and elevate the record into something truly special.

When it came time to shoot the music video, Muse chose to keep it close to home, celebrating the very brands that define local culture and premium lifestyle in the city.
The visual concept? A straightforward, vibrant, “day-in-the-life” aesthetic filled with good energy.

“Apart from the amazing hostesses that took care of us at Harts, the great food and drinks, I’d say we just had fun,” Muse shares. When the video officially drops, fans can expect exactly that: pure, unadulterated fun.

While fans are already looking forward to how “Xola” fits into a broader musical puzzle, Muse is focused on mindfulness and soaking in the present moment. Having poured so much intentionality into this long-awaited release, he is in no rush to sprint to the next thing just yet.

“This was a project long in the making, so for now I want to take the time to enjoy the great work that Luchi and I have managed to put together,” he concludes with a smile. “Don’t worry though, I’ll be back in the near future to talk to you about more.”
Until then, we’ll be keeping “Xola” on heavy rotation, a masterclass in keeping the groove clean and the boundaries cleaner.