By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
If you’ve been to a party, scrolled through social media, or even just passed by a vibey kombi lately, chances are you’ve heard “Weru!”—the infectious Jiti banger that has Zimbabwe dancing into a frenzy.
Originally recorded in 2023 and quietly uploaded to YouTube on 1 January 2024, the song has exploded two years later, becoming 2025’s most surprising—and electrifying—musical breakout.
Suddenly, it’s everywhere: in bars, pubs, weddings, tik-tok reels, memes, and even at family BBQs. It’s the kind of track that makes you put your drink down, kick off your shoes, and hit the dance floor like you’re possessed by the spirit of Jiti itself.
And at the heart of it all? The unlikely hero: Kelvin Fero, better known as Sekuru Gudo Weru, a name as unforgettable as the beat that made him go viral.
“I never imagined the song would be this big,” said the soft-spoken singer. “To think that it was just sitting on YouTube since New Year’s Day 2024—it still surprises me.”
Despite its meme-worthy rise and TikTok domination, Sekuru Gudo says the success hasn’t quite translated into the live gigs he hoped for. Oddly enough, the man behind the hit remains somewhat of a mystery.
“People keep trying to find me using Shazam!” he laughed. “Some only know me from the cover art.”
“Weru” is a rare kind of track—a throwback groove with modern firepower. With its roots in the Korekore dialect of Mhangura, and an infectious drumline borrowed from Mutoko, it’s a cultural cocktail that’s struck a chord with Zimbabweans both at home and in the diaspora.
The track is part of Sekuru Gudo’s 10-track album “High Voltage,” all produced by Charles Ayibeki of Ayibeki Productions. While “Weru” is clearly the breakout hit, Sekuru Gudo insists he’s no one-hit wonder.
“Trust me, I have more hits than I can count,” he said. “There’s sungura, reggae, afro-jazz, even Afro-pop on that album.”
Some of the other tracks on High Voltage include “Ita Uchindicheuka,” “Kana Usipo,” “Wakabvepi,” “Kongonya,” and “Kangoma Kerudo”—each reflecting a different facet of Zimbabwe’s rich sonic landscape.
So, who is Sekuru Gudo Weru? The name alone has left many amused and intrigued. Turns out, it was none other than sungura legend Alick Macheso who coined the moniker during a performance in Chipinge.
“He called me Gudo and it just stuck,” Sekuru Gudo recalls. “Later I added ‘Sekuru’ to make it sound more respectable!”
What’s Next? Another Hit Incoming
Fans won’t have to wait long for more. On 7 August 2025, Sekuru Gudo is set to release another potential hit: “Irombe,” a sizzling collaboration with the enigmatic Forget Kuweyo. If “Weru” is anything to go by, this follow-up could take over playlists all over again.
And if that wasn’t enough, Sekuru Gudo is also part of the mbira quartet Mbira DzeGore Kore, blending traditional sounds with contemporary flair—another sign that this Jiti elder isn’t a flash in the pan.
Sekuru Gudo
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