Cindy ends seven-year drought

Takudzwa Chihambakwe Leisure Correspondent
AFTER a string of singles, award-winning vocalist-cum-fashionista Cindy Munyavi is back with an album.

At the end of February, the “Parere Moyo” singer released “Music Vocals Cindy” (“M.V.C). Similar to her last offering, “The Groove Theory”, Munyavi put together all the singles she had been releasing over the years.

So when you get a copy of the album and songs you already know such as “Mubvunzo”, “Ndidzorere Moyo Wangu”, “Kutsvaga Mari” and “Ndiri Mupenyu” start playing, do not despair. There are other tracks you have not heard.

The first track, “Saturday”, is poorly placed. It should have been track number 13 or something like that. It does not have that punch that gets one hooked and interested in listening to the rest of the album.

The track is not bad, though: it is a laid back love gem in which Cindy expresses how much her lover means to her.

The song that should have opened the album is “Setter Pace”.

The up-tempo groove blends well with Cindy’s vocals and could soon be a hit in clubs, at parties and on drive time radio.

Cindy also moves out of her comfort zone and ventures into dancehall.

Three tracks have a dancehall vibe: “Visa”, “Zii Zvangu” and “Ain’t Missing You”. She does not get into hardcore dancehall, and blend the vibe with pop for a great sound.

However, had she worked with seasoned dancehall producers like Tamuka or Oskid, she would have gotten a definite hit out these.

The diva collaborates with Tray XL and “Amarula” hit-maker Roberto on a track titled “Naughty” – another palatable piece of work; and if she is clever, a video should be her next step.

The biggest miss on the album is track 11, “Hondo”.

The tune is all over as Cindy tries to bring out her African flair with some adlibs but these do not come out well at all. In all, the song is heavy on the ear.

That said, it is a good album and a good comeback for the diva.

What is missing is a soulful, lyrically rich track complemented by good arrangement of music to produce the kind of Cindy we have come to know and enjoy.

That could give “M.V.C” a run for its money when Ammara Brown and Tamy drop more tracks this year.

Already, Tamy has released a single that is doing very well and Ammara is set to release her debut album later in 2017.