Strings & Stories: Faray the Great’s Playlist Is a Celebration of Roots and Rhythm

This week in our Playlist Series, we journey to Southern Africa through the soulful, genre-blending sounds of Faray the Great: a guitarist, vocalist, and storyteller whose music bridges continents and cultures.

Raised in Gweru, Zimbabwe, Faray’s musical journey began in church halls, where his passion for performance was first ignited. Gifted his first guitar as a teenager, he nurtured his talent through endless practice, gospel choirs, and local jam sessions. While he didn’t follow a traditional academic path, Faray became a dedicated student of music, immersing himself in global sounds, studying recordings, and using every available resource to refine his craft. His path is a testament to lifelong learning, curiosity, and a deep commitment to growth.

His sound is a fearless fusion, a meeting point of Afro-jazz, funk, blues, and traditional African rhythm. He layers the earthy pulse of the mbira and djembe with the edge of electric guitar, weaving lyrics in both Shona and English. What emerges is more than a genre, it’s a living archive of identity, resistance, joy, and ancestral pride.

This playlist is a window into that world. Seven songs, handpicked by Faray, tracing the threads of heritage, hope, and rhythm.
Come listen. Come feel.

In this video, Faray shares the heart behind his playlist: why he chose each song, what they represent, and how they connect to Zimbabwean roots and African identity.

“Even if you’ve never been to Zimbabwe,” he says, “you’ll feel the heartbeat of the land in these tracks.”

Each of these tracks tells a story, from spiritual reflection to pan-African grooves, and highlights the range and richness of Faray’s musical language.

1. Ndakujanganisira: Faray the Great, Walter Dzobo
2. Ziwere: Oliver Mtukudzi 
3. Chipo Chiroorwa: Zakes Manatsa
4. Pata Pata: Miriam Makeba
5. Chengeto: Leonard Dembo
6. Joy Love and Happiness: Don Gumbo

Faray’s story is a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t defined by circumstance, but by passion, intention, and persistence. From learning guitar in his hometown of Gweru to performing on international stages, his journey proves that with heart and commitment, you can shape your own path: in music, in art, in anything.

Let this playlist be more than background music. Let it inspire you to keep going, keep creating, and believe in the power of what’s possible.

You are not limited. You are becoming.

If Faray’s playlist and journey moved you, and you’re ready to dive deeper into African rhythm and groove, we invite you to explore The African Bass Masterclass.

This in-depth course teaches essential basslines from across the continent, including styles from Congo, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, and a dedicated module on Zimbabwean Sungura.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this is your gateway to understanding the heartbeat of African music through technique, history, and feel.

Click here to start learning. Your journey into African bass begins now.

Every two weeks, we feature a new artist-curated playlist from different regions across Africa and beyond. These aren’t just tracklists, they’re stories told through basslines, rhythms, and shared history.

Got a playlist you want to share?
We’re always looking for producers, musicians, and collectors to contribute to this living archive of global grooves.

Contact us here to submit your list or nominate an artist.

Thank you for joining us on this musical adventure! We can’t wait to share more in our next installment of this bi-monthly series, where we’ll continue to explore the diverse sounds of the world.