Album Review: Thomas Mapfumo & Blacks Unlimited - Dangerzone
The legendary Dr Thomas Tafirenyika "Mukanya" Mapfumo released his much awaited album Dangerzone on the 17th of February. Mukanya is an iconic artist in Zimbabwe and Africa. His music was instrumental in motivating solders during the Liberation war of Zimbabwe, it was so influential that the then Rhodesian government had to arrest him. For more on his History read:
Or just type his name into any search engine!!
The big question arising from the new album is; Does Mukanya still have the touch that made him into an internationally recognized Icon?? Can he still belt out new classics to match his long list of hits such as Nyoka Musango, Mamvemve, Chigwaya, Kuenda Mbire, Chamunorwa, Moyo Wangu, Vanhu Vatema,..??
Dangerzone contains 12 tracks and will be doing a song by song review of the Album.
1) Chikonzero : One feels the Chimurenga vibe as the song kicks off. Mukanya has maintained his signature sound and this first track attest to that. The feel and arrangement of the instruments makes for a great Chimurenga sound. The song is about confronting someone asking why they despise you.
2) Dangerzone : Mukanya always nails it when he mixes Chimurenga with reggae. This song is a testament to that. It is that kind of song that gets you hooked just as it starts, the instrumentation is on point. The message on this song makes it more interesting. On this song he sings about the danger, and instability that is causing chaos in different parts of the world. He sings for world peace. Powerful and amazing song.
3) Zimbabwe : On this song he is singing about working together to make Zimbabwe a better country. This is the type of song and mentality that is required in Zimbabwe. He is advising people not to concentrate much on politics and to put more effort on developing Zimbabwe. He is appealing to all parties/affiliations to put aside differences and work together. Love the song.
4) Nhamo Urombo : One of my favourite tracks on the album. On this track Mukanya is singing about who has brought suffering!!! He is stressing how suffering has taken over peoples lives, how they discuss about their suffering everywhere, all the times. This song is a true reflection of the lives of many Zimbabweans, statements such as "Malow Low" "Ndakatsva" "Zvakaoma" " Pakaipa"... have become common words one hears regardless of where they are in Zimbabwe. The song will be interpreted differently by many people on who has brought the suffering, l shall not get into that. The song has an awesome instrumentation to go with it. An uptempo kind of Chimurenga beat.
5) Hatidi Politics : Another superb song, with a theme that echoes in many Zimbos minds and Homes. On this song Dr Mukanya is stressing the that the majority of the population is not interested in politics but rather on striving to live a better life. Big song, big song.
6) Shebeen (Remix) : This song is smooth. The most chilled song on the album. This original song is already a favourite of many, and this remix will just match up the original. They kept the song as close to the original as possible. The addition of a female voice is a welcomed twist, it gives a modern feel to the classic tune. A perfect song for a chilled day, or gotchi gotchi on a Sunday afternoon.
7) Pasi Idandaro : On this song Mukanya is reminding people that we do not live forever. He is urging us to live in moderation.
8) Celebrate : This is a celebratory song, its just reminding people that you need to celebrate in life. There are good and bad times, when the times are good celebrate.
9) Music : This was the single which was first released. The song gathered mixed reviews from the public. Zimbos are used to Mukanya delivering hard hitting, heavy political charged songs and this song is not any of that. This is a reggae infused Chimurenga song and its about music, just music, all kinds of music. This song raised question about the album, to some it signaled that Mukanya had lost his touch mostly due to his staying in the USA. Its a funky song, not what we expect from Mukanya. The track came with a nice video.
10) Are You Ready : This is another chilled chimurenga song. In the sing he is asking the fans if they are ready for the music, are they ready to dance and enjoy. The song has a feel good element to it. Love the guitar on this song.
11) Chikwereti : Love how this song starts. This song is about debt, the whole nature of a debt. Its importance and shortcomings. Lovely song, especially as many of us Zimbos are in debt one way or the other. Had to play it a couple of times before moving to the next song, its that good.
12) Varimudande : This is the typical Mukanya sound Zimbos know and love. The song is laced with a heavy and strong mbira rhythm with some serious hosho. This song will make one nostalgic of the good old days. This song will answer all those who say Mukanya has lost his touch.
In overall this is a solid album. Mukanya's music is evolving as the album shows, He however is remaining rooted to his central theme of being the people's defender. This album is not hard core Chimurenga as his 80's and 90's albums but it's a good album nonetheless. One can say his staying in the USA is diluting his music, and it is a bit true. such a situation will affect anyone.
To say he has lost his touch is just plain rubbish, his music is still amazing and he remains the Mukanya that made Zimbabwe dance for years. My favourite tracks are Chikwereti, Nhamo Urombo, Zimbabwe, Hatidi Politics & Chikonzero. Its definitely not his best album to date or may not even get into his top 10 but its a good listen.
Proud Zimbo Rating : 60%
Buy on iTunes : Thomas Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited : Dangerzone
Buy on His Website : Thomas Mapfumo.com
A launch of the album was done at Book Cafe in the capital. For many of us who didn't manage to attend you can watch what occurred below:
What are your thoughts on the Album??
Proud_Zimbo
Comments
Post a Comment