Client: Josh Major
Collaborators: DJ Stavo | Bryan K | Josh Major
Art Direction & Visuals: Colo Nyathi
Collaborators: DJ Stavo | Bryan K | Josh Major
Art Direction & Visuals: Colo Nyathi
Visual Description
“Mweya” – meaning “Spirit” in Shona – is a vibrant, deeply symbolic cover design that channels spiritual energy through Afro-futuristic visual storytelling. At its center stands a poised Black figure, draped in regal, textured attire, their gaze lifted upward in reverence. They’re encircled by lush, vividly colored flora – symbolic of divine life and growth – as celestial light pours down from the heavens, framed by a powerful African drum.
Above the figure, heavenly clouds part across a glowing sky, evoking a connection between the earth and the divine. The circular drum element hints at the heartbeat of African culture and spirituality, anchoring the image in rhythm and tradition. The entire composition is cradled in a surreal balance of dreamlike fantasy and grounded cultural identity.
Creative Process
The concept was born in collaboration with Josh Major, who initially shared the central idea:
“We are waiting for the Holy Spirit.”
From there, I explored how to embody that message using layered symbolism. Josh emphasized a deep African face looking to the heavens, with drums as the central element. The creative evolution flowed through playful ideation—at one point, even suggesting an elephant or a kingdom—before crystallizing into a vision rooted in stillness, reverence, and spiritual anticipation.
I built the visual narrative around the idea of divine connection. The drum became more than a musical element; it served as a portal, a sacred circle through which the Spirit descends. The floral arrangements represent vibrancy and sacred beauty, while the character's upward gaze expresses longing, surrender, and faith. The lighting was designed to mimic a heavenly descent, aligning with the lyrical message of invocation.
Typography
The typography for “Mweya” was designed to be bold, grounded, and confident—echoing the message of spiritual readiness and ancestral strength. The tall, clean sans-serif typeface communicates clarity and presence, while the use of a warm, burnt orange tone ties it back to the earthy, sacred palette of the overall artwork. The names of the artists are separated by sleek vertical dividers, giving a sense of rhythm and structure—almost like beats between each name, in sync with the drum motif central to the piece.
THE ARTISTS
DJ Stavo
Known as The Turntable King, DJ Stavo is one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent producers and DJs, with a career that has shaped the landscape of African house music. He’s collaborated with major regional artists like Mandoza, Shota, Fiesta Black, Trademark, the late Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah, DJ Maphorisa, Di Buckz, Gemma Griffiths, and Roki, and his music has crossed borders, earning recognition across Southern Africa. His ability to blend Afro-house with modern electronic rhythms makes him a powerhouse in the continental music scene.
Known as The Turntable King, DJ Stavo is one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent producers and DJs, with a career that has shaped the landscape of African house music. He’s collaborated with major regional artists like Mandoza, Shota, Fiesta Black, Trademark, the late Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi, Jah Prayzah, DJ Maphorisa, Di Buckz, Gemma Griffiths, and Roki, and his music has crossed borders, earning recognition across Southern Africa. His ability to blend Afro-house with modern electronic rhythms makes him a powerhouse in the continental music scene.
Best Music Video at the Zimbabwe Music Awards
DJ of the Year at the Zimbabwe Business Awards
Best House Music at the Midlands Music Awards
Bryan K
Bryan K is an award-winning Zimbabwean singer-songwriter celebrated for his soulful voice and genre-blending style. With a sound rooted in Afro-soul and R&B, he has consistently delivered emotionally resonant music that speaks to both local and global audiences. His debut album, Bryan K: Made in Zimbabwe, earned critical acclaim, and he continues to push artistic boundaries through collaboration and live performance.
Bryan K is an award-winning Zimbabwean singer-songwriter celebrated for his soulful voice and genre-blending style. With a sound rooted in Afro-soul and R&B, he has consistently delivered emotionally resonant music that speaks to both local and global audiences. His debut album, Bryan K: Made in Zimbabwe, earned critical acclaim, and he continues to push artistic boundaries through collaboration and live performance.
Winner – StarBrite Zimbabwe talent show (2012)
Best R&B Song – Star FM Charts (for the single "Energy", 2020)
Signed publishing deal with Sony Music Africa
Shared the stage with Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Mi Casa, and Oliver Mtukudzi
Featured on and produced tracks with ExQ, Ellyman, Davido, and Patoranking
Released acclaimed albums:
Nyaya DzeRudo (2015)
Evolution K (2018)
Bibo Worldwide (2020)
Josh Major
Josh Major is a rising voice in contemporary African music, known for exploring themes of faith, identity, and transformation.
Josh Major is a rising voice in contemporary African music, known for exploring themes of faith, identity, and transformation.
His ability to fuse traditional Zimbabwean rhythms with modern electronic beats is nothing short of inspiring. There's a soulful authenticity in his sound—whether it's the subtle layering of mbira-inspired melodies or the deep, rhythmic grooves.
He’s not just a producer or DJ—he’s a musical storyteller. Every collaboration he touches carries emotional depth and cultural pride. Josh Major is undeniably helping shape the future of Zimbabwean electronic music with creativity, passion, and originality.
With “Mweya,” he delivers a powerful message of spiritual anticipation, positioning himself as a storyteller and visionary within the African creative space.
Outcome
The final artwork captures both sonic energy and spiritual depth. “Mweya” is not just an album cover—it’s a visual hymn, inviting the viewer into a sacred, soul-stirring experience.