Jah Master drops emotional new single ‘Handioni Oni’ – A soulful departure from upbeat dancehall hits

KUDZAI CHITSATSO 

ZimDancehall sensation Rodney Mashandure, popularly known as Jah Master, has released a poignant new single titled Handioni Oni. The track, accompanied with a video, explores the emotional turmoil of a man grappling with his girlfriend's repeated infidelities. 

In an exclusive interview with ZimSphere, Jah Master revealed the inspiration behind the song and its significance in his evolving musical journey.  

"Handioni Oni is a soulful heartbreak ballad that captures the anguish of betrayal," Jah Master explained. 

"The song tells the story of a man left shattered by his girlfriend's repeated infidelities, his emotions raw and vulnerable. With Handioni Oni, I aim to convey the pain and resilience that often accompany heartbreak."  

The latest release marks a creative shift for the artist, known for his upbeat dancehall hits like Vhuramai and Bhawa. Jah Master emphasized that Handioni Oni dives into a more introspective and emotional tone, offering a refreshing addition to his discography.   

Jah Master drew inspiration from the often-overlooked reality that men, too, experience heartbreak and betrayal in relationships. 

"While it's commonly assumed that women are the primary victims of infidelity, I wanted to shed light on the fact that men also suffer in silence," he shared. "This song aims to give voice to their emotions and challenges the stigma surrounding male vulnerability."  

The artist believes listeners will relate with the track on a deeper level, offering a relatable narrative accompanied by stunning visuals. 

"To bring the story to life, the song will be accompanied by stunning visuals that perfectly complement the emotional depth of the music. Fans can expect an immersive experience that will leave a lasting impression," he added.  

Jah Master also reflected on the evolution of his music, noting a deliberate shift toward clean, relatable lyrics that appeal to a broader audience. 

"I'm proud to say that my sound has undergone significant evolution. While many artists in our genre are leaning towards raw, edgy content, I've made a conscious decision to focus on clean, relatable lyrics that transcend age boundaries," he said.  

This approach, he believes, sets him apart in the Zimdancehall genre, which he describes as inherently flexible. 

"Our Zimdancehall genre is known for its flexibility, and this year, we're embracing that versatility to explore new creative avenues. By not limiting ourselves to specific themes, we're opening ourselves up to a world of possibilities, allowing us to connect with our audience from multiple angles and further push the boundaries of our sound," he explained.  

Jah Master acknowledged the monumental success of his previous hit, Hello Mwari, which catapulted him to household name status. However, he remains unfazed by the pressure to replicate its success. 

"Hello Mwari was a game-changer for me, cementing its place as one of the most iconic songs in our genre's history. Recreating that magic is a lofty goal, but we're committed to pushing the boundaries," he said.  

He attributed the song's success to a divine alignment of timing, talent, and circumstance. 

"As an emerging artist, I was fueled by a hunger for success, but the breakthrough came at a time ordained by God. When we created Hello Mwari, I didn't anticipate its massive success. It was a divine alignment of timing, talent, and circumstance that catapulted the song to unprecedented heights," he reflected.  

The success of Hello Mwari also brought newfound attention to his earlier works. "Prior to the release of Hello Mwari, we had a collection of great songs that hadn't yet gained widespread recognition. However, after Hello Mwari catapulted me to household name status, our previous songs gained newfound attention and appreciation, while our subsequent releases were also met with enthusiasm," he added.  

With Handioni Oni, Jah Master is confident about making another significant impact. 

"Handioni Oni is set to join our impressive discography, echoing the same magic that made our classic hit Tsamba a timeless favorite. With its enduring popularity, Tsamba has raised the bar, and we're confident that Handioni Oni will meet and exceed expectations, solidifying the love sound," he said.  

As he continues to explore new creative avenues, Jah Master remains committed to delivering music that resonates with his audience. 

"With dedication and hard work, we're striving to craft something equally remarkable, and I'm excited to see what the future holds," he concluded.  

You can watch the video here: