If you’re itching for exciting local music, Munyaa has you covered with his newest single “Danko.” Munya Mambira is an Eugene based artist going by the name Munyaa. He creates music inspired by Afropop, Amapiano and artists ranging from Young Thug to Rema that has been described as “beach music.”
“I like to call myself an African artist,” Munyaa said. “When I say Afropop artist, it’s like I’m caging myself to one sound cause there’s so many music styles that I like to do. Yes, I do Afropop and Amapiano but I’m also open minded. Like Drake, you can put him on anything.”
Originally from Zimbabwe, Munyaa has been a part of a musical household for as long as he could remember.
“Music has always been around me. I did theater arts in high school, I did choir, I did traditional dance. I did everything that has to do with music and art in my younger age,” Munyaa said. “Then when I started recording, I was 18 or 14. I don’t quite remember exactly the year, but that’s when I started actually going to the studio and recording and making a song.”
Munyaa’s new single “Danko” featuring MJ Sings is a 5 minute celebration backed by danceable drums and top quality vocals. The song is fresh and exciting with a catchy hook to draw new listeners in.
“‘Danko’ means thank you. That’s the best way to describe it,” Munyaa said. “It’s a gratitude song. It’s just me being thankful for life, for blessings and just celebrating life.”
Munyaa has already seen success bringing his sound to Lane County over the past three years and hopes that he can expand his sound even further.
“I’ve been receiving great energy from Eugene and Springfield here in town,” Munyaa said. “I’ve even done a couple shows at the college. It’s been great vibes. The people, they love it.”
With “Danko” just having dropped on Nov. 28, Munyaa is already looking towards the future and his upcoming plans. Right now he is focused on creating a 3-4 track EP and hopes to release an album in the future.
Munyaa said he takes influence from artists he admires like Rema and Wizkid and tries to model his career trajectory after them by first dropping some singles, then eventually an EP.
“I want to give as many people a chance to listen to the song so they can decide if they love it and want to follow the journey for the boy,” Munyaa said. “But the goal for this single is to reach as big an audience as I can.”
While still in his young career, Munyaa’s excellent collection of work speaks for itself. Munyaa is still trying to learn how to best navigate the musical landscape even with an impressive catalogue this early in his career.
“I’m not just like an artist doing my thing. I’m also an artist who’s willing to work with different people,” Munyaa said. “I’m still learning, so if there’s anyone who wants to work with Munyaa, I’m pretty open.”
Check out Munyaa’s work, and his latest single, on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube.
