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Kumbirayi Shoniwa Entertainment Reporter
Musicians in various genres continue to release new material as they seek to penetrate and enhance their positions in the market. Most of the new albums feature collaborations that exhibit musicians’ unity.
Below are reviews of some of the new releases.
Eloi Manjoro — “Peace, Love and Joy”
E-Man-G Productions
Eloi Murwiri Manjoro is a gospel music artiste, songwriter and is most notably known for working behind the scenes and producing outstanding music for different musicians including Pastor G, Ex-xel, Sharon Manyika, Reverb, Dudu Manhenga, Clive Mono Mukundu, the late Sam Mtukudzi, Kudzi Nyakudya and Emelda Mudzamuri, among many others.
This six-track compilation is a pop-inspired gospel journey which should appeal to the young as well as contemporary music lovers.
“Never give up” and “I need you” are inspirational songs which are meant to uplift those facing challenges in life as they are reminded that God takes care of everyone through whatever situations they may be experiencing.
“I’m running to you” features renowned gospel singer Prince Mafukidze and the up-tempo beats on the track ensure that the listener never considers sitting down when it is being played.
Other tracks on the album include “Willow Willow” featuring Rumby Mazana, “Ndinomutenda” and a catchy song called “Holy Ghost party” which features crooner Batsie Thembani.
Sir Rebel — “House Awaken : Chapter One”
Velocity Records
Thabani Chagona Mushambi or Sir Rebel, as he is known in music circles, is also a fashion designer in his own right besides being a producer. The thirteen-track house music compilation also includes an intro and outro which gives a professional touch to this dance extravaganza.
Although there are few lyrics to the tracks, the themed instruments tell their own stories such as the love-themed “You Make Me”, “Love is What I Found”, “We Going” and “Dance with Me”.
Other thumping tracks include the title track “House Awaken”, “Long Way”, “Cruise Control”, and “Traditional Elektro”.
Sir Rebel goes on to show his versatility on tracks with different rhythms on a house music flavour such as the “Irish Mix”, “Rock n Roll Elektro Mix” and the wholly unique “Nigerian House Mix” which would make a brilliant sound track for any Nollywood film worth its salt.
Nyasha Timbe — “Songs with Timbe”
119 Music
This five-track debut album features several established artistes who join Nyasha Timbe as he showcases his rare musical talents to the world.
The track “Ndomuwanepiko” features veteran urban grooves artiste Stach with Nyasha Timbe not only singing but producing the track as well.
“Madiro” is a feel-good track which features Billan and Stach and talks about having a party and enjoying oneself when it is time to wind down after a hard days’ work.
A love track on the compilation called “Babe Wangu” is a mellow rendition of how a guy appreciates his girlfriend who loves him unconditionally.
Composed by Timbe, it features Billan and B-Mac on vocals.
“Ravh’ Yemufirimu” features Stach and talks about how the love shown to a man by his woman can be compared to the Hollywood type of idealistic relationship which seems too perfect to be true.
The last track on the compilation features a lady called Naash whose sweet voice blends well with Timbe as they sing a song on love titled “Baybee”.
The track was produced by Mugove Taruvinga and recorded at Fancy Beats studios.
Ali Black — “Chimoto”
Hiltec Media (RSA)
Ali Black is a gifted musician who recorded this Afro-jazz classic at Victory Mind Records in Johannesburg South Africa.
Themes discussed in the eight-track compilation include suffering of orphans and in life in general on songs like “Nherera” and “Life is a Wheel” as well as death and disease in “Mapedzavanhu”.
Other touching songs are “Nyarara” and “Hupenyu Chiyi” which are meant to provide comfort to bereaved people who have lost their loved ones.
The saxophone and rhythm guitar-playing maestro has a soothing voice which aptly compliments the jazzy feel even on tracks which convey serious but relevant messages.
The rest of the album includes “Chimoto”, “Tanganyika” and “I’ll never forget You” which is dedicated to loved ones who have either passed away or who have gone off to far places.
Online Reporter