Cherish Bryce - The Birth (2009)

I haven't written a review on a female artist in a few months and nothing better than an exciting new voice that has the potential to blow up beyond expectation. Cherish Bryce is potentially the most exciting female artist on the Radio Kunakirwa podcasts right now and at the writing of this review she sits at a healthy Number 2 on the Kunakirwa Top 12 with Ndiwe featuring Gregory & Tpie. The Birth of Cherish Bryce is the debut from this 20 year old rising star.

The Cherish Bryce journey to success began outside Zimbabwe and she is already a household name in countries like Malawi and Tanzania despite being 100% Zimbo. I will open up with the song that is currently doing the damage, Ndiwe. This song had a solid RnB sound that is so undeniably Zimbabwean with the use of ethic instruments to bring it closer to home. Cherish, Gregory and Tpie effectively use Shona, Ndebele and English to give us one of the best love songs we have come across this year. I won't give much on it, refer to the podcasts and have a listen for yourselves. Dreams ranks as one song that is a favourite with all of us at Radio Kunakirwa. It is an amazing RnB love song that could make any man cringe with some seriously inviting lyrics sung by a very sweet voice. She claims she can make dreams come true and though the lyrics are 'subtly' sexually inclined i still enjoyed the song. I nominate it for the best song she has done, ever.

I was surprised by the song Voku which took a completely different tangent from what i thought she was all about. She sings about what makes Africa what it is and this is a very mature track that crosses many barriers with an excellent execution and delivery. Come to think of it this song really deserves to be among one of the World Cup songs. The young lady can switch the tempo right up to songs like On the Dancefloor featuring Gadjet and Cuz as well as the dancehall banger We Go Hard. These guys at Bryce Music are going hard for sure. On We Go Hard, Cherish sings about how they are the new defition of what the word hard is and if there ever was a dancehall song to light up a dull party this one is it. I can imagine it being played in a club setting with the crowd singing along. I also liked the experiment with the kizomba zouk style on Crush which i reckon would get a lot of teens going crazy especially at the stage where infatuation is prevalent. I would like to hear the reception of this song in countries like Mozambique, Angola and Cape Verde Islands where this style of music is truly appreciated. Haunting Me is a song about heartbreak when a couple has broken up and the party responsible for the outcome is now realising the depth of their mistake. The social commentary on a cheating partner will strike a chord with many people out there given that infidelity is a hot topic in our day to day.

I really could go on about all the tracks on this album but i will save it for you to get yourselves copies. Other songs to look out for are Searching and Fire In The Freezer. I will will definitely make it known that this is the best RnB album i have heard from Zim this year. I listened to it from start to finish without as much as a second skipped and it rates highly as an amazing debut from a talented young lady. I usually have low points to point out and concerning Cherish, the sexual nature of some of her lyrics leaves you wondering since she is only but 20 years old. The maturiy of those lyrics doesn't quite fit her voice at times giving it a rather ironic incline. This girl holds her own be it collabos or solo on a track she has what it takes to make hits and be a star. Other than that, producer, Ahsyan the Beatmaker is one of the very best in Zimbabwe right now and he brings out the best in Cherish. One word: Impressive!

Cover Art - 5/10
Music - 8/10
Technical Sound - 8/10
'I Like' factor - 8/10

Cee Jay Besa - Ndangariro (2010)

2 years after the surprisingly refreshing One Ariega and a year after One Ariega Reloaded, Cee Jay Besa is showing why he is one of the hardest Zimbabwean musicians right now with a brand new album entitled Ndangariro.

Munaye opens up this CD and Cee Jay picks up from where he left off last time with a newer and improved version of the short song dedicated to his son. Ndini Here left a lasting impression on me. This is a song where every reason to thank God is put forward and makes one realise that there is a lot we can be thankful for yet many a time we choose not to give Him thanks. The joys of divine favour are explored through music with a jazzy appeal. Mafaro left me feeling very nostalgic. Cee Jays makes reference to things we used to enjoy as family and friends back home in Zimbabwe pachiurawa mombe, nekubikwa sadza vana vasanotumwa kunotsvaka tsotso dzekuvesa moto nadzo. It then hit me in how he titled his album Ndangariro as a dedication to his late father but in actuality he covers a broader sense of it all without so knowing. The man has a way of expressing himself which makes his music heartfelt and honest. The title track justifies this and it is one of the most meaningful and heart stopping songs dedicated to a parent i have heard in a while. Chokwadi ngatikudze vabereki vachiri vapenyu.

Vahombe is more mid tempo and faster than most cuts off this album. He traces back to days of tales and folklore to give a narration of how we embrace the beauty of success. I saw a live performance of Famba Zvakanaka and this song has become a favourite at Cee Jay's live shows. It is a mature take on relationships where he wishes a former love well as they part ways to focus on their individual lives. My favourite line is: 'Nyangwe taparadzana ndichafambisa zita rako mune zvakanaka.' For those old school music lovers, the song Chikoro will rate highly and is one that shall stand the test of time. You would mistake it for a song made in the early 90s and not taking anything away from it at all. Cee Jay is simply that good and his social commentary makes this song even better. I would recommend that any father who wants to encourage his son to do the best he can in life should play this song for him. I guess as a young guy my stand out track is undoubtedly the bonus tracks Mutare featuring talented brothers Bkay n Kazz and rapper Just Lyphe. This one is an up tempo track that drips of Zimbabweaness and Tony G did justice on the production. Cee Jay does his thing to perfection, the brothers from Masvingo prove why they are Zimbabwe's most talented duo, Just Lyphe gives us the best verse we have ever heard from him (ever!) and Tony G reminds us why he is one of the most sought after producers = A TIGHT TRACK. Period.

Ndangariro is the best album from Cee Jay Besa. In writing this review i am thinking of sending a copy back home to my family (that's how good it is). This is a refreshing and improved Cee Jay who comes back stronger than before with a brilliant emphasis on pentatonic scales for the bass guitar. The backing vocalists were simply outstanding throughout the album, everything was well rehearsed. I think there was a lot of preparation into the making of this album. At this rate, i see this man becoming one of the biggest Zimbabwean acts in Africa and beyond. Highly recommended, get yourself a copy!

Cover Art - 6/10
Music - 8.5/10
Technical Sound - 8/10
'I Like' Factor - 9/10