Zimbabwean musician Alexio Kawara clearly remembers a phone conversation from 2008, during the height of his country's political and economic crisis.

"The sun is never going to come up in Zimbabwe," said the voice on the other line, belonging to his friend in South Africa.

In this edition of My Song, Kawara talks about how he didn't believe leaving Zimbabwe was a solution. His hope for his country inspired 'Shaina', which means 'shine' - an apt title for a hit song that's helped lift people from their sense of despair.

My Song showcases the personal stories behind the songs of Africa's most compelling musicians. You'll hear these musicians in their own words. No presenter, no interviewer - nothing to get in the way. Just African voices on African music.