Nostalgic Scripts: Revisiting Malcom Mufunde & YaadUniverse's Economy
Time moves fast, and in the whirlwind of new music releases, it's easy to forget the projects that defined pivotal moments in our local hip-hop scene. But some albums deserve to be revisited, even years later. That’s the essence of Nostalgic Scripts—a series where we look back at standout Zimbabwean albums that left a lasting impact.
Today, we rewind to 2022’s Economy by Malcom Mufunde, a project that solidified his place as a master of concept albums, alongside YaadUniverse. It’s been three years since its release, yet its themes remain eerily relevant. Perhaps even more so.
Malcom’s Cinematic Influence & The Rise of Concept Albums
Malcom Mufunde, the four-eyed cinephile, has always worn his love for film and storytelling on his sleeve. His music carries a structured, narrative-driven approach that makes his albums feel like a screenplay brought to life. It might have taken the world until 2021 to fully recognize his genius—thanks to his Trash collaboration with Synik—but Malcom had been refining his craft long before then.
His critically acclaimed Emcee FM came shortly after winning Best Underground Rapper at the 2021 Zim Hip-Hop Awards, further cementing his legacy. But it was Economy that marked his transition from a strictly underground rapper to a conceptually ambitious artist embracing wider audiences.
Economy: The Soundtrack of Struggle
Thematically, Economy took a sharp turn from Malcom’s previous work. With an old NRZ train gracing the album cover—symbolizing Zimbabwe’s Economy Class—it painted an honest and often harsh picture of the daily grind young Zimbabweans face.
A key narrative thread was the interludes by Makanaka Kanjanda, a voice that guided listeners through the album like an old friend reminiscing on shared childhood memories. Some were heartfelt, some laced with inside jokes, but all helped enrich the personal and socio-political journey of the album.
Even years later, Economy stands out for its seamless song transitions. The ending of each track smoothly ties into the next, making the project feel like a single, continuous experience rather than a collection of songs. Despite the Shona titles, the project is largely rapped in English, ensuring accessibility to a broader audience.
Track-by-Track Reflection
1. Mbiri
The intro track sets the tone with Makanaka teasing that she’s about to expose Malcom. Mbiri (meaning ‘fame’ or ‘a second’ in Shona) cleverly plays on both meanings. Malcom reflects on his early dreams of instant stardom, only to learn the hard truth about patience and perseverance. His wordplay remains sharp as ever:
“Way before MJ could heal the world with his music / From the start, I always wanted to be a champ / So like the other MJ, I did this from the jump.”
2. Mari
A standout moment in the album, Mari delves into the irony of once being considered ‘the future millionaire’ in school, only to face economic hardships in adulthood. The sharp opening line sets the album’s direction:
“Money talks but it gave us the silent treatment.”
Here, Malcom bridges the personal with the universal, making Mari one of the album’s most relatable tracks.
3. Denga Nenyika
A politically charged anthem, this track speaks truth to power. The clever wordplay is as biting as it is thought-provoking:
“They call us born free, yet we pay a price for the freedom.”
This song still resonates today, making it one of the most timeless tracks in his discography.
4. Nzara
A raw depiction of scarcity and the lengths people go to survive. The song serves as a documentary of the struggles in Zimbabwe’s failing economy.
“When they say I’m violent, it’s ’cause I fought for my life.”
5. Zvakahwanda
Malcom reflects on hidden truths and the disillusionment that comes with growing up. He takes a jab at the academic system:
“I’m in school but intellectually daft / Coz I got the cap of knowledge but the knowledge was a cap.”
6. Manyepo
A critique of media deception, both locally and globally. Malcom masterfully dissects propaganda, questioning the legitimacy of the information we consume.
“Grew up believing in TV / But if it comes through a screen, it's been screened to deceive me.”
7. Mari NaMwari
Addressing religious exploitation, Malcom boldly calls out the commercialization of faith.
“There’s a fascinating correlation / Between your net worth and the size of your congregation.”
8. Pfungwa
This track dives into mental health, particularly Malcom’s personal battle with depression. Makanaka’s interlude reflects on the complexity of his high school years, adding emotional weight to the song.
9. Newe
A rare love song from Malcom! The long-running joke in Zimbabwean hip-hop circles was that Malcom and Hupepe Chule were immune to romance—but Newe proved otherwise.
10. Marara
The grand finale, Marara pays tribute to Chitungwiza, the satellite city that fuels Harare’s workforce. This track speaks to a universal struggle—many cities worldwide thrive off the labor of people who live outside them but rarely get the recognition they deserve.
Final Thoughts: Why Economy Still Matters
Three years later, Economy remains a defining piece of Zimbabwean hip-hop. Malcom’s meticulous storytelling, clever lyricism, and cinematic execution make this album one worth revisiting. His ability to blend personal narratives with social commentary ensures that this project still speaks to listeners navigating the same struggles today.
If you missed this album back then, now is the perfect time to rediscover it.