Rest In Peace Sam Mtukudzi (1988 - 2010)

Rest In Peace to a remarkable young man with an abundance of talent. Your passing still comes as a shock and a great loss for the Zimbabwe music industry.

Zimbabwe Today - Various Artists (2009)

It has been a while since i have come across a compilation of contemporary artists from Zimbabwe. The recently released Zimbabwe Today compilation includes 11 great artists from Zimbabwe, singing within different genres and languages.

This sizzling album opens up with a song by Hope Masike entitled The Land. The mbira leads this composition with some well controlled vocals sung in the Shona language. She delves into the origins of 'Africa' asking what it means and where it came from. It is a very mellow song which boasts of having a highly ethnic sound, a true gem. The popular Shaina by Alexio Kawara is a fitting inclusion with its positive message which should definitely inspire many generations to come. Andy Brown plays the guitar with a passion that connects through the song. Of all the Alexio songs released to date, this one is definitely his stand out track.

Prior to this release i had never heard of Mathius Julius before and i was at a loss. His song struck a chord with me. On a reggae vibe with a delivery i have not quite heard in ages. Coming from a Zimbabwean artist the song Der Pon raised the bar to a standard which many artists will find hard to reach. I marvelled at the backing vocals. Mathius relates to the bonds of slavery which led to forced migration of Africans to far away lands. He asks God to guide him in his walk of life. Selmor Mtukudzi has an undeniable Oliver Mtukudzi influence in her music characterised by the afro-jazz cum pop sound in her songs. Her mature approach holds much weight for her social commentary. The legendary Victor Kunonga graces this album with Mamurega. He maintains his formula of music that is easy on the ears which sounds like a mixture of 'chimurenga' music and jazz. Zimbabwe reggae's finest, Transit Crew also make an appearance with Lord If I Cry.

This album is easily the best compilation i have heard in the last few years. The level of quality, maturity and depth is a rare find on the Zimbabwean and even international scene. Other tracks on the album that tickled my fancy were Handishore by guitar legend Clive 'Mono' Mukundu, Arumwa by Willis Wataffi and Mubvunzo by Sebede. To top it all off it is all for a good cause with a portion of proceeds going to Tariro - Hope & Health for Zimbabwe's Orphans. It is a non-profit organisation located in Glen Norah, Zimbabwe, working to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS by educating young women. Grab a copy, high recommendation here!

Get the album here:
http://www.wideworldartists.com/ZimbabweToday.html

Visit Tariro - Hope & Health for Zimbabwe's Orphans website:
http://tariro.org/

Cover Art - 5/10
Music - 9/10
Technical Sound - 9/10
'I Like' Factor - 8/10

Sam Mtukudzi - Rume Rimwe (2007)

Sam Mtukudzi's career started off with him touring with his father, the great Oliver Mtukudzi a few years back. That was indeed the beginning of a new dawn for an artist who is set to break through as one of the most promising musicians in Zimbabwe right now. Under the guidance and nurturing of his superstar father, Sam is indeed ready to be his own man. Rume Rimwe (released in December 2007) took the young man a good 2 years to put together and it's well worth the time.

This is Sam Mtukudzi's debut album which holds the song Chii Chanetsa that has become a very popular hit making the charts on PowerFM in 2008. On this track he engages in social commentary concerning domestic violence as seen by the children affected. It is a very in-depth view at the ills of a marriage gone wrong where all the possibilities point at a divorce but the children do not want to entertain the thought. Evidently, everyone is unhappy and all they can do is watch as it happens. This is a song that can evoke emotion within you because of the very reality it besets upon. Amai focuses on a mothers love and Sam is seemingly thanking his mother for her presence in his life (maybe because his dad was on the road half the time? lol). It is a beautiful song about appreciation and should serve to teach us all to appreciate not only parents but everyone who plays a significant role in our lives.

The musical style on this album can be described as jazz with a mixture of Tuku music to spice it up. Tibatane is my favourite song on this album (listen to the XBC podcasts and you will find evidence of that!). It is a jazzy love song where the emphasis is on becoming one. Sam praises his partner calling her 'chisikwa chaMwari' (God's beautiful creation). This is as good as a love song gets and it took me back to the love of old. The instrumentation was simply phenominal and the backing vocalists set a bar that you do not hear too often these days, not only on this song but throughout the album. It reminds me that young musicians can also make such great music (but then again this is Oliver Mtukudzi's son i didn't expect any less!). Songs like Why Can't We, Ngwara and Mazuva Mangani (which is somewhat the title track relating to the Shona proverb 'Rume rimwe harikombi churu') are littered with advice on life. Besides the good music, there are strong messages contained within these songs that are reminiscent of olden day folklore.

It is without a single doubt that Sam Mtukudzi's music is miles ahead of his age and don't let his youth deceive you, this is a brilliant album. His lyrical prowess herein lies within a poetic approach and there is an undeniable connection with Oliver's influence here. There is such wisdom in his words you will not believe he is only 20 years old. It is no surprise that his music appeals across many generations and i hear Sam is a brilliant live performer as well. Every song is very well done and you can listen from start to finish without even considering skipping a track. This is highly recommended for everyone out there especially those who like Africa Revenge, Dudu Manhenga, Oliver Mtukudzi, Simphiwe Dana, Thandiswa Mazwai and Chiwoniso to name a few.

Get the album here: http://www.oneworld.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_music_info&cPath=1_49&products_id=3985

Cover Art - 6/10

Music - 7.5/10

Technical Sound - 8/10

'I Like Factor' - 7/10