Kindlynxsh On How Oliver Mtukudzi’s ‘Todii’ Became His Soul-Baring New Single. In a heartfelt interview on YFM’s The Agenda with Roiii and DJ Sliqe, rising star Kindlynxsh pulled back the curtain on the deeply personal connection behind his latest single, Todii. It is a respectful yet fresh take on Oliver Mtukudzi’s timeless hit.
When asked about the correlation between himself and the song, Kindlynxsh did not hesitate. “First off, first and foremost, my parents played it all the time when I was a kid,” he shared. What started as childhood nostalgia quickly revealed itself as something far deeper. Todii ranks among his all-time favourite African songs, second only to another Mtukudzi classic, Neria. That is a track he dreams of sampling one day.
“I want to sample that so bad. Every time. Bro, that is my favourite song,” he enthused. “I wish that my first time doing this was that song, but I’ll figure it out and make that work.”
The Zimbabwean-born legend Oliver Mtukudzi, affectionately known as Tuku, has long been a cornerstone of Kindlynxsh’s musical upbringing. “I’ve always loved the artist. That’s the only person I knew even from Zim,” he noted, pointing out that many listeners remain unaware of Mtukudzi’s Zimbabwean roots. “My parents always put me onto that guy.”
The decision to sample Todii was not just about musical admiration. It became a vehicle for personal catharsis. Kindlynxsh revealed he has reached a point in life where he needs to address unresolved family matters. “I’m like, damn, I’m at a point, there’s some things I want to get off my chest, something about my family. I want to go to Zim and document it,” he explained. “Damn, why not this beautiful sample that is so respected? Let me try to do it in my best way.”
He spoke with clear reverence for the original, determined to honour its legacy while making it his own. “I just love that reggae, bro. That’s my favourite song,” he added, highlighting the infectious groove that continues to resonate across generations.
By reimagining Todii, Kindlynxsh has crafted more than a cover or a simple flip. He has created a bridge between his South African reality, his Zimbabwean musical heritage, and the emotional weight he is ready to release. The single stands as both tribute and therapy, proving that the right sample at the right time can turn personal reflection into powerful art.
Fans of conscious African music and lovers of Tuku’s enduring catalogue are sure to feel the authenticity radiating from Kindlynxsh’s Todii.
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