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release of his much-anticipated album simply titled “Gotwe” (Last Born).
If you loved Zhakata’s music before then the latest is just for you.
The nine-track album shows how Zhakata has gathered nuggets of advice about humble living and personal social responsibility in songs that are mellow in tone, pregnant with meaning and hypnotic to the listener.
Oddly enough, the tunes sound fresh and a departure from the wailing and mourning of yesteryear.
I am not sure whether or not Zhakata is still considering quitting following the “Last Born”, but he needs to think again before he makes that move.
Frankly speaking, when I listened to the tracks I felt the passion and love for music by Zhakata who has, for long, been a staple of the Zimbabwean music scene and fathered his own genre “Zora Music”, that includes the use of keyboards to differentiate his sound from other Zimbabwean styles.
A lot of sungura musicians do not play keyboards and when you hear Zora music you will know it is Zhakata.
A lot of sungura musicians cannot differentiate themselves when it comes to rhythm or beat, it all sounds the same.
Love or hate him, Zhakata or simply LKZee to his fans, has shown that the album was worth the wait and those who attended the launch at Sports Diner at the weekend will admit the guy is back in business.
The rejuvenation of LKZee
Opening with “It’s Good For Us” (Zvakanakira Tose), a song done in English and Shona, which is an expression of how rejuvenated he (Zhakata) has become.
Though it has a slow tempo, its the lyrics that makes you to pause and ponder deep. The trumpets at the end of the song make it an enjoyable one.
As the first track on the album I think it sets the tone for “Last Born”.
“Simudza Mureza” (Raise the Flag)
Arguably the most hypnotic song on the album.
This track ought to be a favourite of many of his fans because it embraces the theme of the album.
He sings: “Rega kutyira kure kure, svika padhuze urigamba wani, simudza mureza.” The staccato on the song is heavy and you cannot resist but rock to the music. The song will surely remind many of the late
Thomas Makion, LKZee’s cousin and sidekick during their days as Maungwe Brothers.
For the nimble-footed this got to be a must-listen track.
“Mazviita” – a track to salute to all his fans
According to LKZee, it is like a dream.
“After all the waiting, speculation and uncertainty my fans can now enjoy my latest album ‘Gotwe (Last Born)’.”
Following the troubles LKZee had to put up with his former record company, Zimbabwe Music Corporation (ZMC), it was only befitting for him to give thanks to all who made the release possible.
Firstly, he thanks God, the Almighty and all his fans at large.
It is the type of song which you see the other side of LKZee as a humble character. Speaking about being grateful, on the sleeve, the artiste has a long list of friends who include Dr (Gideon) Gono, Senator Charles
Tawengwa, Tenda Transport and Mushandirapamwe Hotels among others.
“Dambura Mbabvu” (Cadre), the real comeback!
Arguably the smash hit on the album “Dambura Mbabvu” which is receiving heavy rotation in pubs and clubs around Harare.
This is testimony of how popular the song is among revellers.
If it were during the days of the jukebox, this song would have had more scratches than any other song on the track list.
“Misodzi Yerudo” (Tears of Love) a sing along anthem
You just have to listen to this track to have a full appreciation of LKZee’s lyrical genius.
It takes you around the world and places beyond. One thing you have to give to LKZee is that there is no discord song after song as he keeps his tune and rhythm.
For any serious listener you cannot skip this track and good music needs no patient listener.
“Njere dzakakosha kukunda ndarama,” he sings in the chorus.
“Ndiriwuto” (I am a Soldier) – is a song about resilience
You just have to give it to LKZee after going through so much to try and have his album recorded.
He is one musician who believes so much in everything he does and the song bears testimony to his resilience as a fighter.
“I am a happy man. My album is now available and all I can say is that let us forget about the long wait and enjoy the music. It has been challenging as I wrestled to release the album, but the most important thing is that we have won an important battle,” he told the media.
Online Reporter