Album Review : Alick Macheso - Tsoka Dzerwendo

Did an overview of the album a week ago. This is an album that needs time before any conclusions must be made. Judging by Macheso's release schedule each album get about 2 years before talk of another album surface, so till 2017 this is the album we will be listening to. Its a daunting task asking the urban artists to give a us one album worth 2 years, its nearly impossible. Macheso however has been doing that since the record breaking Simbaradzo (Best Selling album in Zim History) in 1998, and there is no doubt to his ability of releasing timeless albums and tracks. With the poor performance of his last album and other personal scandals he has to show Zimbos he still got the touch that made him a National and Sub Saharan Legend.

So the track consists of 6 tracks and below is a track by track review.

1) Baba

This is aimed at those fathers and fathers to be who run away from parental duties. There are a lot of single mothers in Zimbabwe. Many guys impregnate and disappear. Macheso is singing from the point of view of a bitter child who has grown up without a father. Seeing his mother struggle and go out of her way to provide for him. Macheso is discouraging such actions and urging fathers to be responsible and take care of their children.
The instrumental arrangement is great. Macheso played it safe here. he employed all the basic ingredients of a good sungura track. Its not a track you will go crazy for, but also you will not hate it. Don't get me wrong with the basic stuff though, the track is sounding very good. Love the rumba influenced part from 06:01-06:18.

2) Kurarama Inyasha

This track is reminding people that we are alive becasue of the grace of the Lord. What we do is by the Grace of God, its not becasue of our knowledge.
The instrumental arrangement is well done. the song is sounding good. Like the above track he employed all the ingredients of a good sungura track. He was not showcasing his guitar skills much here as compared to what he did on other tracks. This track somehow reminds me of the old school Dembo type of sungura. The chorus on this track is one of the most infectious choruses on the album. Solid track.

3) Wandirangaridza

This track is stressing the importance of memories in life.  Memories are what make life worthwhile. As single attribute or action will remind you of something or someone. So treat people well because memories are all you will be left with.
This track has some superb guitar work here. The instrumental  arrangement is also on point. Love the vocals here. This is another solid jam. no complaints from me.

4) Munyaradzi

This is a track to remind everyone that there is someone out there to comfort them. In life we face difficulties and challenges and alone we'll crumble. Macheso is saying among the masses there are people that agree with you, there is that friend that stands by you and above all the Almighty Lord is there to comfort and strengthen us. Powerful.

This is my favourite track from the album. It has all the elements required to make another Macheso classic; the instrumental arrangement is fantastic, meaningful and easy to comprehend lyrics, superb guitar work, and great vocals. This is a perfect Macheso track, I failed to find any fault/misstep on the track...just beautiful.

5) Gungwa

If you thought the issue of haters or mamero is for Zim dancehall and Hip Hop only, this song will make you think twice. On this track Macheso is singing against those who spend their time plotting the downfall of others. On the other hand urging people not to spend their time concentrating on what people say about them. When the blessing is yours noone can take it away, whatever plots they make, shall entrap them instead. Remember ane bhora ndiye anomakwa, so concentrate on that potential that is in you and turn a deaf ear to those who say demeaning thing about you.

This song has some great guitar work, if not the best on the album. I however feel like the hats were moving off and on key at the guitar freestyle period from around 07:13. The drum like guitar work in the last quarter of the track took me by surprise, I sometimes like it the and sometimes hate it, am not sure how I really feel about them. In overall its a good track.

6) Mude Mude

This track is about responsibility and being passionate about whatever you do. Macheso is urging people to put in the required effort where its required. It's your duty to love your wife and husband for noone can do it for you. If you go to work, you must be passionate and able to do the work, for if you slack around the workload will remain. In such economic and socially trying times it important to urge people not to run away from responsibility and do whats expected passionately.
The vocals on this song are typical Macheso but I feel he was having trouble maintaining the high pitches at certain times, especially at the beginning. The vocals got better as the track goes. The arrangement of the instruments is top standard and its sounding amazing. This track does not have the best guitar work from the album but its a great track nonetheless.

Buy the album : Tsoka Dzerwendo (Ayayaa)

Listen to the album below:

In overall this is a great solid album. It's definitely not his best album but it a great effort. For all his fans who were dissapointed by his last album Macharangwanda will be very pleased with this one. Proud Zimbo Rating: 60%.



What are your thoughts on the album???

Proud_Zimbo