Lenin Zvidzai Guveya, professionally known as Jr Odin, was born on 9 July 1991 in Highfield, Harare, Zimbabwe, the second-born and first male in a family of seven. Music runs in his blood: his father, Washington Guveya, was the lead singer and guitarist of Vadzimba Band, while his uncle, a musician during Zimbabwe’s Chimurenga War, inspired the family’s musical heritage. Jr Odin adopted the name Black Survivors for his band, honoring his uncle’s legacy and the spirit of resilience and cultural pride.
He began his musical journey in 2008, mentored by the renowned reggae artist Roki, and focused on roots reggae. In 2009, he paused his music career to embark on a spiritual journey in Chiweshe, living simply in small huts and dedicating himself to prayer and self-discovery. This period deeply shaped his artistry, grounding his music in reflection, healing, and consciousness.
In 2011, he returned to the studio to release his single “Survival of the Fittest” and later participated in Voice Box, a competition on ZBC TV, where he won a prize for his performance. Although he briefly explored multiple genres including Zimbabwean mbira and township jazz, his spiritual journey led him back to roots reggae, the music that resonates with his soul and conveys messages of healing, justice, and social awareness.
Jr Odin’s music advocates for the voiceless, addressing struggles faced by communities, promoting the rights of children, fighting all forms of abuse, and championing social justice. His artistry transcends race and borders, aiming to unite and uplift people through consciousness and culture.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with prominent Zimbabwean artists such as Roki, Master H, Tocky Vibes, and Maskiri, and has contributed as a backing vocalist for Roki during his mentorship. In 2016, he expanded his creative vision by recording at Kenako Studios under DJ Tamuka and worked with VJ Brian Majuta, who produced several music videos for his singles including “Change How You Feel”, helping Jr Odin explore the visual and narrative side of music.
Beyond performance, Jr Odin is deeply committed to youth empowerment and community development. In 2016, he co-founded a music club for children at CJ Hall in Highfield, teaching young people music skills and providing an alternative to drugs, demonstrating his dedication to nurturing the next generation.
In 2025, Jr Odin embraced the Rastafarian faith, further strengthening the spiritual foundation of his music. A herbalist and lifelong student of natural medicine, he learned about herbs from his grandmother, his father’s mother, incorporating respect for nature and ancestral knowledge into his life philosophy and artistry.
Today, Jr Odin continues to sing for truth, culture, and healing. His music reflects resilience, social consciousness, and spiritual depth, making him not only an artist but also a community advocate, mentor, and voice for climate and social justice in Zimbabwe
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Lenin Zvidzai Guveya, known professionally as Jr Odin, is a Zimbabwean roots reggae artist, humanitarian, and spiritual visionary. Carrying a musical lineage that traces back to the liberation struggles of Zimbabwe, Jr Odin blends the rhythmic pulse of the Vadzimba Band heritage with a modern message of healing, justice, and cultural pride.
As the frontman of the Black Survivors, he honors a legacy of resilience, crafting music that serves as a sanctuary for the soul and a megaphone for the marginalized.
Origin: Highfield, Harare, Zimbabwe
Genre: Roots Reggae / Conscious Soul
Key Collaborations: Roki, Master H, Tocky Vibes, Maskiri
Philosophy: Rastafarianism, Herbalism, and Social Justice
Core Message: "Singing for truth, culture, and healing."
Jr Odin’s career is defined by a rare "spiritual intermission." After beginning his journey in 2008 under the mentorship of urban legend Roki, he stepped away from the industry in 2009 to live a life of prayer and reflection in the huts of Chiweshe. This period of self-discovery grounded his artistry in a way few modern performers can claim.
Upon his return, he dominated the airwaves with "Survival of the Fittest" and showcased his versatility on ZBC TV’s Voice Box. While his talent spans township jazz and mbira, his soul remains anchored in Roots Reggae—the vehicle he uses to champion the rights of children and fight against abuse and social inequality.
Beyond the stage, Jr Odin is a mentor and healer:
Youth Empowerment: Co-founder of the CJ Hall music club in Highfield, providing a creative haven for youth to escape drug culture.
Natural Wisdom: A lifelong student of herbal medicine, integrating ancestral knowledge passed down from his grandmother into his life and lyrics.
Visual Storytelling: Known for cinematic visuals like "Change How You Feel," produced in collaboration with VJ Brian Majuta and Kenako Studios.
