Zimbabwean urban grooves pioneer Roki joins forces with legendary Sungura maestro Alick Macheso on “Mari Ya Rosa,” also known as “Maria Rosa.” Released on August 17, 2026, the collaboration brings together two distinct generations of Zimbabwean music, blending contemporary urban sounds with the rich guitar-driven tradition of Sungura.
The song explores relationships, money, betrayal, and the drama that can come with them, built around the memorable phrase “ndakaenda nemari yaRosa.” Ahead of its release, Roki generated plenty of conversation online through a controversial promotional campaign that eventually revealed itself as part of the rollout for the collaboration.
Musically, “Mari Ya Rosa” finds Roki’s smooth urban delivery meeting Macheso’s unmistakable Sungura guitar work. Macheso’s energetic basslines and intricate guitar progressions give the record its traditional Zimbabwean character, while Roki brings a modern rhythmic edge that keeps the collaboration fresh.
The record seemed produced by Ghost Magician, mastered by Lizer Classic, and released under Passion Java Records. With Roki and Alick Macheso sharing the same track, “Mari Ya Rosa” stands out as a cross-generational Zimbabwean collaboration that connects urban grooves with the enduring sound of Sungura.
