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Entertainment Reporters
THE year 2013 has seen a plethora of both established and upcoming musicians releasing their albums, both good and bad. Some of those have gone on to be chart-toppers while some were just wallowing in the dustbin of oblivion owing to a number of factors.Chief among these factors were the issues of vigorous marketing strategies or sheer lack of it, adequate exposure or little of it, and a lack of foresight, vision and perseverance on the part of the artistes who in some cases, feel they have the talent to impress the music-loving public.
Out of the need to really delve deeper and see if there are any new but good names that could have passed unnoticed yet they have good music projects to their name they have released this year but went unheard, this writer decided to scour some of the recording studios and music shops in Harare and below is what emerged.
Traswell Chikomo — Tachema Chema
While this guy’s name might not ring a bell in the minds of many music listeners, he is sure gifted with that Midas Touch that can make some sungura big guys green with envy.
No wonder his project, “Tachema Chema” which is also his first, was accepted by leading recording firm, Diamond Studios, who then worked on it until its final stages and eventual release.
I must hasten to note that the engineer, Isaac Masendeke, did a good job on the sound to elucidate Chikomo’s vocals and instruments.
Although the playlist comprising five songs might seem to be few considering what has become like a standard template for most sungura releases in Zimbabwe, this is ably covered up in the length of the songs, with the shortest running up to the range of nine minutes and eight seconds.
“Muroora”, “Tinokumbira Mvura”, “Amai”, “Nyaya Dzerudo” and “Muzukuru Eddie” make up the playlist.
Itai Sandras — Pazuva Guru
He might be the chief confectioner at a leading TN Supermarket in Harare, but upcoming gospel singer Itai Sandras is also adept at producing music that sounds sweet to the ear.
I was privileged to listen to this seven-track album in veteran producer, Blessing Masanga’s Breaside-based studio, and what I heard instantly caught my ear to the extent that I could not help but lap up all the songs with relish.
Frankly speaking, Itai — who started his professional music career in 2011 following the release of his debut offering, “Mwari Pindirai” — has improved immensely and it clear that he has been putting maximum effort to claim his position at the mantle of the country’s young gifted gospel musicians in Mathias Mhere’s fold.
His themes and issues are as wide and diverse as they are also spiritually incisive.
“Pazuva Guru” reminds people of the end of times, while “Mudziyo Wenyu” captures the voice of a devout Christian who is vowing to serve God.
“Mambo Jesu”, Tinosimudza Maoko”, “Koroma Remix”, “Pakutanga” and “Chimwe Nechimwe” are also impressive.
It is also high time that music promoters give such young artistes a chance to prove themselves by giving them a chance to perform during live shows with some of the big names in the industry and see how they will perform.
The list, of course, is not limited to these two artistes under review but this only serves as pointer as to the unsung and unrecognized talent that Zimbabwe is endowed with but is not making a hard push to expose.
Ras Bledz — Nguva Yareba
South African-based Zimbabwean reggae singer Blessing “Ras Bledz” Makiwa is slowly making a niche for himself in the industry with his twist of lovers Reggae and Urban Grooves sounds.
Unlike other artists of his genre who sing mostly about social problems or “Conscious” issues, Ras Bledz has set his sights on the “Lovers” side of reggae music which he is doing well judging from the attention he is receiving after releasing his latest album, “Nguva Yareba”.
The album features local Urban Groovers such as Snagga Bounty, Nox and Trinta, as well as upcoming lady singers Avatty and Black Rose who add a touch of female flavour to the album.
Ras Bledz uses a mixture of locally produced and international rhythms such as Juicy, Major and Minor and Split Personality to create a ten-track album which was produced and engineered by GT Beats of South Africa.
The title track focuses on the plight of lover’s who live apart and describes how people reach a point of missing each other so much that life becomes unbearable.
The song features Snagga Bounty and Nox and was done on a local instrumental beat called “Roses and Ice” which has been used by other artists including Sniper Storm, Freeman, Buffalo Souljah, Juniour Spice and Dane Blaze from Jamaica.
Other songs include”Maidei”, “Handikukanganwe”, “Huya Tidzokerane”, “Wakanakisa”, “Tichidanana” and “Ndokuvimbisa Rudo”, all of which focus on love and relationships.
Bledz has been staging shows in South Africa for the past few months which have attracted fans from several African countries, including a keen following on his Facebook page as well as views of his videos on Youtube.
His style reminds the listener of local singer Decibel’s songs on love issues such as “Chido” and “Nakai” which were popular tracks on Zimbabwean charts for a long time, even up to now.
Online Reporter