Pastor G - Inspiration (2008)

Pastor G is no stranger to the music industry in Zimbabwe having worked with numerous artists and made a great success of his singing talent. For those who might have forgotten he burst on the scene as part of Delani Makhalima's Shamiso Studios a solid 9 or so years ago with songs like Count Your Blessings, Hande & Walk Alone to name a few.

Inspiration is the latest offering from Pastor G and it is a 14 track sizzler! He has always made somewhat danceable gospel music more inclined to the younger souls. I can describe his music as a mixture of RnB and Afro-Pop where the pastor does enough justice vocally. The title track, Inspiration, is one smooth jam. The instrumentation on the song sounds like a soft rock/pop ballad and it is so well executed i could not help but notice. The lyrics are uplifting and focus on how we find our inspiration from the Lord especially when times are hard and we feel like there is no way out. I have to say the backing vocalists on this song did a superb job equally matching the pastor himself in making the song a gem. Haya Haya has been doing awesomely well on the PowerFM charts and from the moment i heard it i knew why. It is a praise song (rwiyo rwekutenda) where Pastor G proclaims authority and dominion through Jesus Christ. I can see enough people getting down to this one mudzimba and kumaChurch uko. It is a wonderful song that has a feel good 'thing' about it. I listened to it with a smile on my face!

There are some songs which from the moment you hear the intro your expectations are raised. Mubairo does just that! When the beat sets in and you listen to the chorus you get that 'wow' feeling. The beat is simple with an amazingly catchy melody and Sharon Manyika sings this so beautifully. Vakomana Sharon anoimba zvinodadisa! I know Haya Haya is already a hit but people are sleeping on Mubairo! Of the album this is definitely my pick, the best of the lot hands down! (lol). Its another inspirational one and the duo sing about kushinga (being strong, perseverance) encouraging us all never to get tired because God is faithful. Not much i can say except that this song is great. Mandipa is another one that touched me given its very well done vocals. Pastor G has really upped a notch or 2 on this offering. While listening to this album i realised that it really focused on establishing God as the centre of people's lives to give them hope. Considering all the things Zimbabwe has gone through i really connected with this album on that note.

I cannot take anything away from Pastor G on this one, the music was beautiful so was the singing. The collabos added so much versatility to this album, were very well done and you could feel the chemistry between the artists. Other songs to watch out for on this album are Jesu, Ndamirira featuring prince Mafukidze and Turura featuring Gorden Taurai Nzira. Pastor G fans of old will love this and i recommend it to anyone who wants to listen to Zimbabwean music with a difference!

Music - 7/10
Technical Sound - 7/10
'I Like Factor' - 7/10

MC Mighty Live In Dublin

MC MIGHTY LIVE @ BUTTON FACTORY DUBLIN from Mc Mighty on Vimeo.

Rassie Ai - Smiles & Cries/How Come (2009 Video)

Second video from the critically acclaimed debut album 'Return To Life'

Abisha Makombe - Bhomba (2008)

I know the name Abisha Makombe might not immediately ring a bell especially for a lot of people in the diaspora who left Zimbabwe a while ago. That being said be assured that the face of Urban Grooves (though he calls his music Chonde music) is changing. It's great to see new names coming up. Abisha is no stranger to success as he was part of the group Romeo which gave you the big hit, Consider My Feelings. A few years down the line and this man is now a solo artist enjoying being at the top of the music industry.

Bhomba is the debut album by Abisha Makombe which was produced by producer of the moment Anthony Mukanga a.k.a Tony G. This album is 8 tracks deep and boasts of the massively popular Ndire Ndire. From my conversations with Tony G he told me that the song was recorded last for the album and none of them expected it to be a hit. The song recently became popular in the diaspora after spending much of 2008 being the party song of choice with an infectious house sound that can lift you from a bad mood. Ndire Ndire refers to a magic brew which can get you to dizzy heights. In the song Abisha describes how he feels so invincible that he will be fishing for mermaids (kuredza njuzu) and that this is a party to remember that has him on unmatched highs. My pick for song of the year for 2008 and in the diaspora for 2009. Check out the video at the bottom of this post!

Hondo Yemoyo is the second single from the album and its another very good song. This one is about that first love and the pains of being with someone you do not love while spending your time thinking about someone else. It tackles the harsh reality of loveless marriages that seem to occur more often than necessary. The song starts off with a mellow beat which is sad in its own right and really made me think about what he was singing about. Halfway through the song it becomes an up tempo rhumba track. I really would have preferred this one to stay on the sad, mellow beat but its still a good song regardless. Mumwe Wangu is similar to Hondo Yemoyo in focusing on abused love. One partner is lost on the others actions because they seem to only be in love when there is money. Abisha is telling us how a lot of people started with nothing en route to becoming successful and that love should be able to endure poverty. This is definitely one of the best tracks on the album.

I really like Abisha Makombe's originality. His music is different, his voice is different, his singing is different. Throughout the whole album he shows maturity lyrically and offers a different view point from most artists of the Urban Grooves generation. I don't know if he will ever be able to eclipse the success of Ndire Ndire which i believe is set to become a continental and international hit with the right marketing strategies. If you love Rhumba, Zouk, House and Urban Grooves you could find yourself falling in love with this album. Highly recommended!

Music - 8/10
Technical Sound - 7/10
'I Like' Factor - 7/10