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Kumbirayi Shoniwa Entertainment Reporter
A hip hop compilation done by Trymore “Trysongz” Matumbu, titled “Imwe Definition Ye Urban Gwavha” could have been a good release if the artiste had not spoilt it with foul language. The Zim hip-hop compilation includes some well-produced beats on which Trysongz collaborates with various artistes to make up this nine-track album.
The upcoming emcee tackles issues ranging from love on “Hope” featuring Maskiri to inspirational songs such as “Let it Go” and “Hazvisi Zveplay”. The artiste however loses the plot a bit as he ventures into explicit lyrics which render the whole effort unfit for family listening.
Other songs on the compilation are “Ndiwe”, “Zvese”, “”Ndakapenga”, “Ndinomudisa” and “Zvaunondiita”.
A good musical effort which could do well without the foul language which sounds hideous from local perspective.
Loud H — “Kuchema Kwangu”
Kingsounds Records
Dancehall chanter Loud H sounds a bit like Freeman both in voice and style, as he shifts his themes from being sentimental on “Saka Ndiani”, to macho in tracks like “Tisu Tirikutonga”, “Ma Leopards” and “Handina Fear”.
He has a scathing message to ungrateful friends on “Jahman” then goes on to express his disgust at girlfriends who do not appreciate their lovers’ efforts on tracks such as “Ndaidada Newe”, “Unozoda Akaita sei Babie” and “Hazvina Mhosva”.
Other tracks on the album are “Kuchema Kwangu”, “Hatizombomira”, “Chi American Height”, “Ndokuti Ghetto Yuts” and “Bluetooth”.
Blaqberry — “Back 2 JazziQs”
MFD Studios
Looks can be deceiving and the cover of this album gives credence to the adage “don’t judge a book by its cover”. The jazz trio of Everjoy Kawadza, Tafadzwa and Filbert Marowa are a joy to listen to, especially if you are into the old school type of township jazz music.
The group embarks on a soothing social commentary as their tunes touch on themes such as domestic abuse, achieving harmonious relationships and the harsh way of living as people go on their day-to-day livelihoods.
Tracks on the compilation include “Zvinonaka Kudhura”, “Dai Zvandinoda”, “Kuchemedza Mai”, “Garisanai”, “Pembererai” and “”I Panic”.
The group also touches on a topic common to young people in relationships as they advise on walking away from bad relationships and men who pluck up courage to approach women through taking alcohol.
Barbara V. Solo — “Spirit, Emotions & Tears”
Lifetime Media
Barbara V. Solo is an Afro-jazz songstress with a melodious voice which blends well with the mbira and contemporary instruments on the album. “Spirit, Emotions & Tears” takes the listener on a journey in the different emotions experienced by the singer in her life, ranging from joy to heartbreak on tracks such as “Shinga”, “Handineti” and “Shungu”.
On the track “Mweya Unoera” the songstress talks about remembering lost relatives and friends and appeals to God to take care of orphans and all those who have been robbed by death.
Other songs on the compilation are “Ngainaye” and “Fiforifo” and the whole effort shows that the upcoming artiste is going to go places indeed.
Alfred Musharukwa and Company — “Musharukwa 2013 Collection”
Artisan Studios
The album is a compilation of songs composed and produced by Alfred Musharukwa over the years and shows the artist’s gradual growth into a well polished chimurenga music singer.
Musharukwa uses traditional instruments like the mbira, drum and rattles and manages to blend them well with rhythm and bass guitars to produce a unique sound.
Songs on the eight-track album include “Ndafunga Kwedu”, “Togara Seiko”, “Pembererai” and “Nhasi Ndafara” which are all recent productions.
Other tracks dwell on themes relating to preserving our traditional and cultural values and these include “Tswerewende”, “Zvekupemha” “Tinochema Nemi” and “Vana Vangu”.
Musharukwa worked with several experienced musicians on the compilation including Vusa Nyoni, Isaac Chirwa, Blessing Masanga James Buzuzi and Grace Mudzengerere.
Online Reporter