HEZRON’S KUJA NYUMBANI ECHOES THE LONGING FOR HOME
Hezron’s hauntingly poignant single, Kuja Nyumbani (I Want to Go Home), resonates with a deep yearning for identity and belonging.
Released during Reggae Month in Jamaica and Black History Month in the USA, the track is a powerful “complaint to Mama Africa,” as Hezron describes it, reflecting on the painful legacy of slavery and the ongoing quest for connection to ancestral roots.
Set against a gentle rhythm infused with traditional African sounds like the kalimba, the song’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of suffering and survival: “I have a very long tale to tell of 400 years… I know that you are wondering why the ink smells and looks so red, I collected this red ink from the place of where they tortured slaves.”
KUJA NYUMBANI DEMONSTRATES THE UNBREAKABLE BOND BETWEEN MUSIC, MEMORY AND IDENTITY
Remarkably, Hezron penned Kuja Nyumbani at just 19, inspired by his revolutionary spirit and Afrocentric views. Decades later, its message remains profoundly relevant.
The accompanying black-and-white video, directed by Devon Morris, weaves images of historical figures such as Nat Turner, Harriet Tubman, Nelson Mandela and Bob Marley, bridging the struggles of the past with today’s fight for justice and freedom.
With Kuja Nyumbani, Hezron not only asserts African identity but also reminds listeners of reggae’s enduring role as a voice for the oppressed. The song is a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond between music, memory, and identity.
ABOUT HEZRON
Born into a musical family in Montego Bay, Hezron began singing in church before refining his craft with local sound systems. Influenced by pop icons and reggae legends, he moved to the US and explored R&B. However, his deep-rooted love for reggae brought him back to Jamaica, where his powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics captivated listeners.
With chart-topping hits like Natural Woman, So In Love and Ain’t Too Proud To Beg with Beenie Man, Hezron continues to enchant audiences worldwide, blending soulful melodies with hard-hitting messages.
