Top 5 Tracks : James Chimombe

It been long since I published a new top 5 tracks, will try to get back to my two week schedule release from now on. On this episode I will be talking about the iconic musician known as Mr Bindura by his fans, the late James Chimombe. 

James Chimombe played an important role in establishing the local sound we are now proud of after the country attained its independence. His music fused various elements from different genres across the continent and he sprinkled some Jit all over his compositions. Despite fusing a lot of genres the keyboard and bass guitar were the most visible instruments in his compositions. He also formed a formidable working relationship with the overlooked Daram Karanga the guy who played the sax on all his songs, you cannot think about James Chimombe's music without also thinking about the lovely saxophone work. James Chimombe died in 1990 and was the first of many artists who succumbed to AIDS. Despite passing away at a very young age of 39 he left us with a lot of classics that have kept his legacy intact even 28 years after his death. 

Have given myself a week to listen to his whole discography and for an artists who released a classic with each track it's quite a big task deciding in my top 5. It has to be done so after countless listens and internal debates have decided on my top 5 track.

My top 5: 

5. Kudakwashe
James Chimombe is known as the guy who always sang sad songs, he has many sombre tracks but this one takes the throne. I don't think there is any other track in Zim as sad and also as iconic as this one. This track was James' dedication to his son who was born a cripple and he was saying whatever the Lord has given me I shall be grateful. The composition is sooo beautiful, despite being sad its done exceptionally well, James's vocals are spot on invoking the expected feeling required for this song. Definitely a song that will leave many with tears on their eyes.

4. Zvaitika
This is one track which if you drop it at any function is Zim everyone will be singing along, it catchy and irresistibly good. The drum work on this track is to die for, it captures the Jit feel very well and will get you on the dancefloor in no time. The production is done superbly well. On the track James Chimombe is saying I knew that if you listen and take to heart to what other people say it's going to end our relationship. 

3. Cecilia
This is one track that shows how much James Chimombe loved his keyboard and bass guitar, they are the most evident instruments and give the track a unique feel that you can easily recognize. That saxophone part in the end is super super lovely. For a change on the track James Chimombe sort of switched from the usual sad themes he mostly addressed to a brighter theme. This is a dedication to his lady Cecilia, whereby he is telling her how much he loves her, whilst advising her that not everyone loves their union and he should shy away from those promiscuous boys. 

2. Jemedza
This is regarded as his farewell song, many believe on this song he was singing of his imminent death which came a couple of months after the release of the similar titled album which contained this track. On this track he is calling on the ancestors to guide him on the journey he is now embarking on, for he does not know what the journey holds. The composition is done superbly well despite the overall track being sombre. James Chimombe was passionate on the vocals delivering an earnest performance, more like he knew it was his last song. 

1. Muchiti Mugere
This is undoubtedly my favourite track from Mr Bindura, this track never fades and I can listen to it the whole day and never get bored. The productions is done superbly well, the keyboard work is heavenly, the drum-work is on point, the bass guitar is tight, on point and that saxophone ohhhhh my oooh my!!!. James Chimombe himself was superb on the vocals. On the track he is talking about relationship problems, James is saying if you have fallen out of love with me it's important you inform me rather than act up whilst keeping me in suspense.

Buy Jemedza : Jemedza on Discogs
Stream: Best Of James Chimombe , Greatest Hits Vol 1 , Greatest Hits Vol 2

So ya that was a tough top 5 but I managed to decide on the songs. Some of the brilliant songs that missed out on this list are:

1. Amai Jennifer
2. Zviwuya Zvirimberi
3. Siya Wawoneka
4. Chawana Mumwe
5. Bindura
6. Munakandafa
7. Emma

What are your best tracks from the icon???

Proud_Zimbo