Zimbabwean musician and bassist Edith WeUtonga is stepping back into the spotlight with Varipasi, her long-awaited fourth album, a spiritually rich and emotionally charged body of work honouring her late grandmother and marking a profound new chapter in her artistic journey.

Recorded in collaboration with One World Orchestra UK and set for online release on 9 December 2025, Varipasi blends WeUtonga’s signature Zimbabwean sound with jazz, reggae, and rhumba influences. It is her first album since 2018 and, for many fans, a deeply anticipated return from one of Zimbabwe’s most compelling musical storytellers.

In Varipasi, WeUtonga channels the intimate grief of losing her grandmother during the pandemic into a universal expression of remembrance and emotional liberation. In reviews shared with My Afrika Magazine, the album is described as “an emotive tapestry that delicately weaves together spirituality, healing, and ancestral memory,” with each song acting as a step along a “path of healing” that moves listeners from sorrow toward gentle release.

Her vocals carry what reviewers call “vulnerability and resolve,” layered over instrumentation that honours Zimbabwean tradition while embracing fresh contemporary textures. The result is a project that feels both rooted and expansive, a bridge between generations and an ode to the unseen bonds that tether the living to those who came before.

WeUtonga’s artistry has long transcended borders. From Harare’s biggest festival stages to performances across Africa, Europe and Asia, she has established herself as one of Zimbabwe’s most powerful musical exports. Her band, Utonga, introduced a bold fusion of Jiti, Chimurenga, Shona folk, jazz and world music, earning her multiple award nominations and international acclaim.

Now, with Varipasi, she brings that same innovative spirit to a deeply personal story, and the global community is taking notice. The album has already been named among the nominees for the Folk Album of the Year Award, part of the prestigious Rochdale 2026 Town of Culture celebrations.

Sound Roots Chief Executive David Agnew praised the project as one of the standout releases of the year, “The standard of entries was incredible… these nominated records span diverse styles and regions but are all treasures to explore and cherish.”

For WeUtonga, Varipasi is not merely an album, it is a vessel for African stories told with depth, dignity, and spiritual conviction. One World Orchestra UK described it as “a masterpiece of emotional healing… a testament to the enduring bonds of family, love and heritage,” capturing exactly what listeners can expect: music that resonates long after the final note.

The release of Varipasi will be followed by a UK tour, with dates to be announced. For fans across the world, it marks the triumphant return of an artist who continues to redefine Zimbabwean music with authenticity, courage and ancestral grace. Varipasi is now available for pre-order.