Nostalgic Scripts : How T1 Wema1 took on addiction in 2021
A Nostalgic Reflection on T1 Wema1’s Timeless EP
Years have passed since T1 Wema1 gifted us Varanda, an EP that remains as powerful and thought-provoking as it was upon release in 2021. The title itself, Varanda, is a Shona term that translates to "slaves" or "labourers," setting the stage for a deep dive into themes of mental liberation, socio-economic struggles, political disillusionment, and personal battles with addiction.
Even now, the EP's relevance lingers, reminding us of the chains—both seen and unseen—that bind us. T1 Wema1’s introspection is an invitation for us all to examine our own lives, acknowledging the habits and belief systems that enslave us.
Breaking Free: The Backstory
At the time of its release, Tawanda Mhuriro (T1 Wema1) was already vocal about his struggles. He had openly shared his past battles with alcohol and smoking addiction, revealing that the EP was a form of self-therapy.
Like many, he found solace in substances during difficult times, but they quickly became more of a prison than an escape. Addiction rewires the brain’s reward system, making artificial highs more appealing than life’s natural joys. The EP Varanda was his way of confronting this dependency while sparking a broader conversation about mental health and self-liberation.
Dissecting Varanda: The Themes and Tracks
Ho Nhai (Produced by Rayo Beats)
A lyrical manifesto against fake friendships, Ho Nhai explores the pain of one-sided relationships. Packed with double meanings, the track highlights the toll of parasitic connections, ultimately encouraging a shift toward mutually beneficial and reciprocal relationships.
Tinebasa (Produced by Victor Enlisted)
Borrowing from the famous phrase of the late Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, Tinebasa (You and I have work to do), T1 urges collective effort toward self and societal betterment. While it initially seems to focus on material hustle, the underlying message is about deeper inner work—the groundwork for Varanda’s main themes.
Musombodhiya (Produced by Victor Enlisted)
This is where things get personal. Musombodhiya (a local term for strong liquor) sees T1 personify alcohol as a seductive but destructive lover. The poetic imagery makes the track relatable to anyone, whether they have battled substance addiction or simply lost themselves in a toxic relationship. The song shifts the project into its core subject matter—addiction and self-destruction.
Ndakabatwa (Produced by McLyne)
The title translates to I’m high, setting up an intense look at escapism through substances. Here, T1 reflects on his journey of chasing success, only to find himself numbing the pressure through marijuana and alcohol. The confessional style of this track allows listeners to step into his world—one of ambition, setbacks, and momentary relief through vices.
Varanda (Produced by Victor Enlisted)
The title track moves beyond personal addiction, tackling the broader concept of mental slavery. Decades after independence, T1 questions whether true freedom has been achieved—financially, ideologically, or politically. The second verse turns inward again, as he laments the money spent on alcohol that could have benefited his family. The track captures the struggle of many: the pressure to display wealth in social settings while privately battling financial insecurity.
Spencer Madziya (Produced by Victor Enlisted)
A celebratory track with intricate flows, Spencer Madziya pays homage to the renowned businessman known for his contributions to the arts scene. While it may seem like a departure from the EP’s theme, Spencer’s rise from humble beginnings serves as a beacon of hope—proof that one can break free from systemic and self-imposed chains.
Production & Writing Quality
Producers Rayo Beats, McLyne, and Victor Enlisted brought their A-game, delivering crisp, immersive instrumentals that complement T1 Wema1’s intricate lyricism. Victor Enlisted, a frequent collaborator, was a dominant presence in shaping the sonic landscape of the project.
As expected, T1’s writing is dense with multisyllabic rhymes and layered wordplay. The depth of his lyricism ensures that each listen reveals something new, making Varanda an EP worth revisiting even years later.
A Timeless Masterpiece
Though time has passed, Varanda remains as relevant as ever. It is a body of work that speaks to personal struggles and collective consciousness alike. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or rediscovering its brilliance, Varanda stands as a reminder that the journey to true freedom—be it from addiction, financial limitations, or colonial mindsets—is ongoing.
I hope we will also have T1 Wema1 back in the booth soon. - It has been a while.
Listen, reflect, and share. The conversation isn’t over.
Listen to it here https://audiomack.com/t1wema1/album/varanda-ep
