From the vibrant streets of Harare to the global stage, Nutty O has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s most versatile and fearless musical voices. Since launching his career in 2013, the genre-blending artist has refused to be boxed in, infusing his sound with elements of dancehall, Afrobeats, amapiano, and more. With the release of his latest single Too Much, Nutty O once again proves he’s not just an artist, he’s a movement.

In this exclusive conversation with My Afrika Magazine (MAM), Nutty O opens up about his evolution, the power of storytelling through sound, and the legacy he’s determined to build for Zimbabwean and African music on the world stage.

MAM: You have witnessed many milestones so far since your career started in 2013, which year stands out most for you and why?

NuttyO: 2021 stands out the most for me, it’s the year I released my debut album, Mustard Seed, which many still refer to as the album of the decade. It was a moment of deep artistic and spiritual alignment, and it cemented my place in the industry with a sound and story that truly resonated across borders.

MAM: Your latest single, “Too Much,” marks your amapiano debut. What story were you telling through this track, and why was now the right time to experiment with this sound? 

NuttyO: Actually, Too Much isn’t strictly amapiano, it’s a fusion of global sounds, from dancehall and Afrobeats to Limpopo vibes and more. I’ve always been unbound by genre, and I love expressing myself in diverse sonic languages. This track reflects a moment of creative freedom and cultural blending. It felt like the right time to explore that versatility and connect with listeners across different musical landscapes.

MAM: What drives you to explore so many genres, and how do you maintain authenticity across them?

NuttyO: It’s a natural gift, I genuinely believe you’re born with it. Music has always come naturally to me, and exploring different genres is part of how I stay connected to that gift. My biggest drive is the vision of becoming a world icon through music. I want my sound to reach hearts across borders, to speak to people from all backgrounds and ethnicities. That’s what keeps me pushing boundaries and blending styles, it’s about creating something universal, while staying true to myself.

MAM: You’ve said your music is a “dialogue among many.” How do you approach collaboration, especially across different regions and cultures within Africa?

NuttyO: I stay authentic to my cause, that’s always the foundation. When I collaborate, I lead with honesty and emotion, because music is a language every soul understands, even when words differ. I pour my heart into each track, and that sincerity creates connection beyond linguistic or cultural barriers. That’s how I approach every collaboration: with purpose, passion, and a deep respect for the message we’re trying to share.

MAM: As the Zimbabwean identity and culture continues to evolve and borrows so much from external influences or trends, how does your work as a global artist stay grounded in homegrown values and storytelling?

NuttyO: The beauty of it all is that I was born Zimbabwean, that’s my foundation. Before my music reaches the world, it’s first embraced by my people back home. We live in a dynamic world where nothing stays the same, and trends constantly shift, but I make it a point to remind Zimbabweans where we come from and where we’re headed. Through evolving sounds and global influences, I weave our identity into every rhythm, making sure our story remains at the heart of it all.

MAM: You’re gearing up for a major performance in the UK this August. What message or energy do you hope to share with your international audience, especially those discovering your music for the first time?

NuttyO: My message has always been the same, from the very beginning, Ability Xtension (AbX). I believe your existence and your craft should spark greatness in those who experience it. That’s the energy I’m bringing to the UK stage: purpose, power, and presence. And beyond the performance, I want that energy to linger, to awaken something bold and transformative in each listener. This isn’t just about music, it’s about affirming that every soul carries the ability to extend impact despite where their from.

MAM: Your music often carries emotional and lyrical weight. What themes or personal truths are you most interested in exploring as your artistry grows?

NuttyO: I’m deeply drawn to the theme of embracing struggle and using it as a channel for self-development. I believe there’s power in facing adversity and transforming it into growth. Another truth I love exploring is emotional vulnerability, especially in men. In a world that often says “boys don’t cry,” I feel a responsibility to challenge that narrative. Through my music, I create space for honest expression, healing, and reflection. That openness is a core part of my artistic journey.

MAM: Do you have any role models you look up to and continue to mentor you in Zimbabwe or globally?

NuttyO: God is my biggest role model. Through Him, I receive guidance, strength, and everything my soul needs to navigate this cosmos. He’s my constant source of direction, especially in moments where clarity feels out of reach. And beyond that, life itself has become my mentor. Each experience, whether beautiful or challenging, teaches me something new. I’m always learning, always evolving, and I’ve come to see even silence and struggle as part of the mentorship journey.

MAM: Looking ahead, what kind of legacy do you hope to build, not just as Nutty O the performer, but as a voice for Zimbabwean and African music on the world stage?

NuttyO: My legacy will be rooted in philanthropy and advocacy for Black power. Beyond the music, I’m passionate about empowering people with intangible wealth, sharing knowledge and wisdom that help others fully unlock their potential. I believe in strengthening the belief system, because once the mind is fortified, greatness follows. Through every track and every platform, I want to inspire people to rise, to reflect, and to realize that their existence holds power. That’s the legacy I’m building, one that echoes far beyond the stage.