A powerful new musical release is set to spark conversations on African identity, unity and self-determination, as Zimbabwean singer-songwriter and performing arts educator Carmen Hwarari prepares to launch her latest single, Aluta Continua, featuring internationally acclaimed vocalist and cultural activist Vusa Mkhaya.
The single will be launched on Tuesday 30 June 2026 and arrives amid growing debates across the continent and diaspora on migration, belonging and Pan-African solidarity.
Hwarari, known musically as Carmen Music is a vibrant Zimbabwean singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and performing arts educator.
Renowned for her mesmerising mbira and marimba melodies, she seamlessly blends cultural music, dance, and poetry to celebrate and preserve African heritage.
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Carmen said her music has always been rooted in African values of unity and shared humanity, adding that the continent’s history and present struggles inspired the message behind the new release.
“I firmly believe that Africa is a sleeping giant, one that has been exploited, wounded, and too often had its story told through the lens of the oppressor rather than its own people,” said Carmen in a press release.
She said the song was created as a response to rising tensions across the continent and a need to encourage Africans to reflect on their identity and future direction.
“In light of the growing afrophobic attacks across the continent and the realization that, on the global stage, Africa often stands alone, I felt compelled to write Aluta Continua. The song is both a reminder and a call to action, a call to remember who we are, to awaken the spirits of our heroes and heroines, and to reconnect with what Africa was, is, and should become,” said Carmen.
She said that the collaboration with Vusa Mkhaya developed after Carmen shared the completed composition with him, initially seeking feedback before the project evolved into a full artistic partnership.
“The themes of the song resonate strongly with the values and stories Vusa has communicated throughout his own artistic journey. I was deeply honoured when he expressed a desire to be part of the project. His contribution has enriched the song in ways I could not have imagined and has amplified its message of unity, resilience and African pride,” she said.
Vusa Mkhaya said the song aligns closely with his long-standing artistic mission, which focuses on African identity, pride and cultural empowerment.
“Aluta Continua fits naturally into my artistic journey because it builds on everything I’ve been advocating for through my music, African identity, pride, resilience and progress,” he said. Mkhaya added the song reflects both the progress made and the ongoing struggle for cultural and social empowerment across Africa.
“The song is a reminder that the journey of self-determination and cultural empowerment is ongoing. It’s both a celebration of how far we’ve come and a call to keep pushing forward. In many ways, it captures the spirit that has always driven my work as an artist,” he said.
Carmen said her experiences working internationally as a performing arts educator also influenced the themes explored in the song, particularly issues of equality and representation.
“While many institutions proudly promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies, the reality does not always match the rhetoric. As an African, there have been moments when I have had to work harder to prove my competence despite my qualifications and experience,” she said.
“There are also times when one must firmly assert their worth, knowledge and humanity in spaces where equality should already be assumed.”
The playwright said such experiences strengthened her belief in Africa’s ability to define its own future and depend on its own strength.
“These experiences reinforced my belief that Africa’s greatest strength lies in its ability to rely on itself, rise on its own terms, and become the global force it has the potential to be,” said Carmen.
She hoped the song, described as a message of hope and unity, would encourage Africans across the continent and diaspora to reconnect with shared values and honour the legacy of those who fought for dignity and freedom.
“Music has always been medicine. It is protest, healing and unity,” says Carmen.
“Our hope is that this song will stir hearts, inspire reflection and encourage meaningful dialogue about our shared future as Africans.”
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