Que Montana, the internationally renowned Afro-Pop artist, has made a striking return to the global music scene with the release of his sixth studio album, Afrivo Rhythms. Dropped on July 4, this highly anticipated 11-track masterpiece marks not just a musical comeback but a philosophical declaration from the Zimbabwean-born maestro.
The album features standout tracks such as “Go Big or Go Home,” “Kumauro,” “Sahwira,” “Vanatsire,” “Ngwara,” and “Sarura Wako.” However, for Que Montana, Afrivo Rhythms is far more than a collection of songs. In a recent interview conducted from his office in Manchester, he described it as deeply personal.
“This is not just an album. It’s my story, my soul, and my sonic vision for Africa’s place in the world of music,” he explained. “Afrivo Rhythms is a futuristic musical catalogue for present and tomorrow people.”
He elaborated that the album fuses ancestral African rhythms with cutting-edge production techniques, creating a bold, genre-defying soundscape. By integrating science and technology into traditional Afrocentric roots, Que Montana aims to bridge the past with an imagined future — one where Africa’s cultural heritage plays a central role in shaping global music trends.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Afrivo Rhythms is its use of artificial intelligence in both mixing and mastering. This technological integration reflects the realities and possibilities of AI in today’s creative industries while also hinting at what could come next.
“I am not here to chase trends, but to shape the future,” he stated firmly. “I want the world to feel what it means to be African — bold, free, and unapologetically authentic.”
Que Montana’s journey back to the spotlight was neither quick nor easy. After stepping away from the public eye several years ago to focus on a low-profile lifestyle, he spent time refining his craft in relative obscurity. Despite personal obligations demanding much of his attention, he never abandoned music. Instead, he found balance by exploring other creative ventures outside the scope of his main project.
However, financial challenges and shifting dynamics within the Zimbabwean music industry slowed down his output. He recalled a period when musicians invested heavily in production and promotion, only to see their efforts go unrewarded due to economic instability.
“When Zimbabwe’s economy took a downturn, it affected the entire artistic ecosystem,” he said. “Promises of a thriving music industry were blown away. Many artists lost hope, while others fought hard to keep their careers alive.”
Now based in Stoke-On-Trent, United Kingdom, with his family, Que Montana has come full circle. His musical journey began at age seven in Harare, where he was mentored by legendary figures like the late Andy Brown, Tanga weKwa Sando, and members of the disbanded group Afrika Revenge.
Over the years, he has built a rich legacy through six critically acclaimed albums:
– Neo Vector (2005)
– Sweet Pain (2007)
– Untamed (2010)
– Strings Attached (2012)
– Sara Ugarike (2018)
– Afrivo Rhythms (2025)
With Afrivo Rhythms, Que Montana reaffirms his position as a visionary force in Afro-fusion music — a storyteller whose work transcends borders, generations, and technologies.
