Paddy Banks talks 'Baba,' spirituality, and blending Afro sound with UK Rap

British-Zimbabwean artist Paddy Banks is making waves with his brand-new song, Baba, and the track carries more weight than listeners might expect.

In a recent interview, Banks pulled back the curtain on his musical journey, his African roots, and the deep meaning behind the single.

For Banks, music wasn’t a sudden decision. Growing up surrounded by Hip Hop, Zim Dancehall, and Sungura, he says music has always been a natural outlet for emotions that are hard to express in words.

Baba tackles themes of guilt, faith, and seeking forgiveness from God. While the song’s full secret remains under wraps, Banks admits it comes from a deeply real place.

The word Baba means “father” in Shona, but in this song, it refers to God. Interestingly, the cover art features Banks with his own father, a deliberate twist.

He hopes listeners, especially those in the diaspora, use the song as a mirror to confront hidden struggles and ask for forgiveness, whether from God or loved ones.

Banks describes his style as Afro-Rap or Afro-Hip Hop—a blend of UK rap, Afrofusion, and traditional Zimbabwean sounds.

He doesn’t force cultural elements; instead, Shona lyrics and African melodies arise naturally from the emotion of each track. His goal is to stay unique and unpredictable, avoiding music that feels “too safe.”

Looking beyond Zimbabwe, Banks wants every young African or Black child with big dreams to feel that anything is possible. He stresses the importance of community and mutual support, adding, “African music is already changing the world, and this new generation is only getting started.”