Jungle Loco Gwala Mnandi - Album Review

Zim Hip Hop has been on a massive upwards trajectory over the past couple of years. Many people are now willing to give the genre a chance and see what they can do and many artists are grabbing the chance.

One such artist who is making the most of the opportunity is Jungle Loco, despite not being named among the top mainstream artists of the genre he is putting in the work and its becoming hard to ignore his talent.

His last project The First Book Of Loco is among the best hip hop projects of the past two years. Will this new project take off from where he left. Have managed to get hold of this album and after a number of listens today will be sharing my views and thoughts on the project down below. 

As usual will be doing a track by track review of the project and then share my overall thoughts and overall rating as I conclude. 

1. Intro

Jungle Loco is flexing his talent on this intro, preparing the listener for the bar and rhyme fest that is coming.

2. Gwala Mnandi (ft The Dawg & Skool Dem) 

The title track is Loco's Hustle Anthem, he is saying am searching for that cash, he money makes me go crazy, he is taking the risks, he is putting in the moves to get the bag. Life is tough when you are broke and he doesn't want a life of envy and struggle. The production is solid, the arrangement is on point, love how this tracks smoothly builds up from where the intro left. The vocals are also on point, Jungle Loco was lethal on the bars, The Dawg nailed the hook (definitely one of the finest in the game), the hook gets stuck in your head. 

3. Dhaza (ft D'Varren & Visza) 

On this track they are saying stop looking down on me for you do not know what tomorrow holds. Life happens to everyone and statuses will change. Love that ropafadzwa line. The track is produced well, Loco was solid on the verses, D'Varren & Visza were at par on the hook and bridge. 

4. Ishe Komborera

Jungle Loco is asking for the Lord to bless his hustle and all those who support his work. The production is good. Loco was solid both on the verses and hook. 

5. Dzikamisa Hana

On this track Jungle Loco is saying learn to be humble, do not rush to publicise what you are doing let the results speak after completion. The bars on this track are strong, Loco was in beast mode on this jam. The production is done well. 

6. Ma Energies

On this track Jungle Loco is saying I can't associate with you, we  have failed to click, our vibes do not match. You don't like facts, you don't like people who are bold, you prefer those who are surrounded by drama but without substance. The production is well done, love the laid back vibe of the track, the instrumental makes you concentrate on the vocals and Loco was lethal on the verses delivering solid bars.

7. Kadem The Comic Interlude

Kadem The Comic is talking about the crazy journeys a single usd dollar note travels. 

8. Ndoda (ft Vulture & Visza) 

Jungle Loco switches from the aon hustle theme to  deliver a superb romantic love jam. On this track he is telling his lady how he wants to be with her everytime, how he wants to go the extra mile for her to prove his affection. The bars are slick and on point. The track is very well produced, love the feel of this track. 

9. Mama Don't Cry

Loco is dedicating this track to his mother saying don't cry am working hard to make things balance. The jungle is not easy but he is trying his best to succeed and create a good life for the family. The track is well produced, the arrangement gets you into that introspective mood which is what the theme requires you to do. The hook is nice, the best hook he personally did on this project. 

10. Flexx (ft Sqkatta)

Loco is saying we'll be chilling, observing and making the right moves. He is also dishing out some advice to the youths, telling them not to rush into certain things. The track is produced well. Loco was solid on the verses as usual, spraying the bars from all angles. 

11. Attitude (ft Shian)

The hook get you from the start, its get you hyped just as the song requires. They are talking about having the right attitude towards life, certain attitudes are required order to have a good time. The production is done well, the track is well arranged. Loco was as usual, solid on the verses and Shian also brought the heat.

12. Ita Yaukuita (ft Outspoken & D'Varren)

Jungle Loco is saying don't be pushed by others but push to live the life you want. Chose the path you want and pursue it. The production is solid, the arrangement of the track is on point love how it changes on Outspoken's part. Also having an ico such as Outspoken is a sign of how Jungle Loco is respected. This is best collaboration on this project, each artist understood their assignment and nailed it. You can't help but wish the track was longer, its that good. 

13. Letter To My Son 

Jungle Loco sings off with a heartfelt dedication to his young son. He is confessing his love for the little man and how he wishes the best life for him. He is asking the Lord to bless his son. He also goes on to advice the young man on the happenings in life, giving advice on how to live a fruitful and peaceful life. The track is well made and Loco was again solid on the verses.

Stream this album: Gwala Mnandi

So ya that's it for Gwala Mnandi by Jungle Loco and its a solid offering. This project proves Local Rap has grown, and has more to offer than what many perceive.

The production is good throughout, the producers did a solid job. Working with various producers who understand your strengths is always a good thing, they bring diverse sounds but all done in a way that let's your strengths shine, this is excatly what Jungle Loco did. Its also good seeing new names on the production credits, if all artists go to a few producers the music ends up sounding the same.

Given the project is named Gwala Mnandi the main theme of the project is about searching for that sweet cash, Gwala Mnandi. It's all about the hustle, the overcoming of distractions, cultivating the right mentality for success. We get one beautiful love jam on Ndoda and a heartfelt personal jam on Letter to my son. The themes are all tackled very well

On the vocals, verses mostly Jungle Loco was superb. Dude has bars for days and all those who love some solid wordplay will enjoy this album a lot. The more you listen the more you pick the bars that skipped past you on the previous listens. Was very much impressed. 

To end this review I have to say its good to know there is still good Rap music outside the mainstream sound, that there is still music that is created for the fans of good rhymes and bars. Jungle Loco definitely deserves more attention. Have enjoyed this album, I recommend it, it's the best Hip Hop/Project so far this year as of the time of writing this. 

My overall rating: 7.8/10

Feel free to share your thoughts on the album in the comments section below.

Proud_Zimbo