Kenny Kunene makes a musical comeback with “Hamba”: A message of strength for women
With “Hamba,” Kenny Kunene blends music, advocacy and amapiano as he calls for healing, empowerment and action against GBV.
Image: Instagram/brownsugaroceans
Johannesburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene is a man of many talents. Politics aside, he is a businessman and an entertainer, DJing and also producing music.
Kunene is now back on the music scene with a new single, “Hamba,” featuring Soulful G on the vocals and TheologyHD on production. The single has an underlying message for women: leave relationships that no longer serve them.
Speaking to IOL, Kunene explained the inspiration behind the song, which is a soulful amapiano track.
“The song itself, when you listen to the lyrics, it's a love song that speaks to GBV because it's about this woman who says, I loved you, I did this, I was there for you when you needed me, but you are not coming to the party, so hamba, I tried everything. I tried everything, so even if you go now, I don't care.”
“Hamba” was released during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, which is celebrated across South Africa and the world.
“It comes at that particular time, and obviously, it will continue from our side as a song that continues that campaign. It's not going to be a one-stop thing when 16 days is over, then the song will be there.”
Kunene believes that women will identify with the beautiful song whether they're in love, that is stable, that is peaceful, or whether they're going through some relationship issues, or whether they are divorced, or whether they are separated.
“I think it speaks to them, it gives them sort of a voice to be able to say, I can walk away, I don't have to be here. I think even in rocky relationships, when a man walks into the room or into the house, you will just find the lady repeating the song, and the message will be received.”
Kunene has been DJing since the 80s, and music is his passion. He decided to pursue his passion at a time when a lot of young people had been asking him to get back in the industry and assist them, especially with matters of the music business.
Through music label RMK Music Agency, Kunene wants to empower artists by providing them with financial coaching and lifestyle coaching.
“My view is you can't expect people who have nothing, and when they blow up, they blow up unexpectedly. Then money starts coming in. It's more about artist development, training them differently.”
The label is looking at working on all kinds of genres, not just amapiano. “If the talent is there, the production is there; we'll be able to help develop those artists.
“We'll be choosing all those, those who have studied, those who have got natural talent, bring them together, and let's create music. Myself, obviously, as a DJ, producing and working with them, it's what I will be doing over and above everything else.”
Kunene hints at more music from the label coming from different artists, with more expected from Soulful G.“We are now starting a tour this weekend. Next weekend, we are in the Northern Cape with SoulfulG and Theology.”
As the year starts to wind down, bookings are picking up for the festive season and Kunene says he is booked in many places, in different provinces, even, “DJing, making people happy.”
He reflects on 2025, which he calls 202thrive, as a good year that has seen him achieve certain personal things that he has always wanted to achieve.
“I saw myself thriving in 2025 and 2026, I call it 202fix. We must fix things in our country, in our personal lives. We must encourage people. We must fix this issue of GBV, and that's why this song is so close to my heart. It speaks to something that is happening: children are dying, children are growing up depressed, stressed. They go through a lot.
“It's been a good year and it will end as the best year. I can't complain. God has been good to me. God has continuously blessed me and I'm grateful for that. I'm still alive.”
"Hamba" is available on all digital streaming platforms.
IOL