Takura (Shona Prince) - Pariah Album Review

Takura is one of the finest artists we have in the nation, I feel he's among that rare breed of artists that just knows how to make good music. Over the years have been in awe of this aspect of him, before you even get what he is singing about the track is just sonically on point, he can sing in a made up language and people will still vibe with it.

Over the past few years Takura has opened up about his depression, drug addiction and how it has been affecting his art and passion to create. Over the past couple of years he announced retirement from the music industry about twice and then reversing those decision, a move many felt was just drama so he gets attention. Yes it was him seeking attention but not necessarily for views but for mental and emotional support, for help with the demons he is fighting with. I truly hope he gets the support he needs, because the whole arts industry will benefit from Takura's creativity.

He has now released this new project Pariah, which means outcast of the society/community. From the title you get hints that this will probably be an emotional project from the Shona Prince. So have managed to listen to the project and today will be sharing with you my views and thoughts on the project.

1. My Side (feat Zimpraise)

Takura is sharing his struggles and pain unto the Lord as he yearns for salvation, for divine help. He wants the Lord to be by his side on this journey of life. The collaboration surprisingly works, its not one many would have expected to see but given the theme of this album its not out of place. Zimprasie  delivered an American influenced performance, if they were not mentioned in the title very very few would have guessed its them.

2. Simba (feat Maeywon)

The Shona Prince is asking for strength to carry on in a life filled with people who are constantly looking for a chance to pull you down. You can never please everyone, aiming for that will only lead to more stress for you. He is also giving comfort to those in such situation by saying the Lord is with you  and shall provide you with the needed strength. 

3. Wazodai/ Do You

This is one of those tracks that perfectly shows the unique talent Takura poses that I mentioned in the introduction. The guy knows how to make good music, the arrangement of this track is on point, the vocal control and arrangement is also top class. Fittingly on this track he is basically saying believe in yourself, even with all your shortcomings you are the best, do you. He also gives shoutout to Harare, the ladies and hustlers who make the city special. 

4. Ramba Zvako (feat Max Ari)

This is that track you dedicate to you soulmate, who is doubting your intentions due to what people say about you. Takira is saying, we are meant to be despite your refusal to believe my good intentions about you. 

5. She Dance

On this track Takura is mesmerized by the way this lady dances, he is praising her dancing skills. Would love for this track to have some visuals, in fact its crying out for visuals. 

6. Sorry After Sorry (feat Nutty O)

As the name implies, this is an apology track. When you get into a relationship you will find out that you are going to offend each other a lot and it will be sorry after sorry (mostly from  the guy). That does not mean there is no love between the two of you, its just that you are people and you will mess up like everyone else. The key is apologizing when you're wrong, forgiving the other party and to continue working for the better of the relationship. The collaboration between the two works very well. 

7. Plate Yesadza

Takura on this track is sharing how hard it has been to get to the life that he is living now, how they struggled to get food on the table. He shares how fame got into his head and that led him to shun those close to him. Despite all the wrong he has done, he he still loves his family and hopes to do right by them. As the track ends the track mellows out and Takura cries out unto the Lord for guidance as life gets hard for him sometimes.

8. Kutoshaya Hope

This is a track for those who are in love with people who don't love them, those who spend all the time trying to impress someone who has no interest in them. Its a painful and stressful situation to be in, you will not sleep thinking how to win them over when you are not even in their plans. The vocals on this track are fire, love how Takura switches in between the sweet melodic voice and his deeper rapping voice. The vocal arrangement superb. 

9. Ngowami

Takura sampled the iconic progression from ExQ's Mazirudo on this track he has dedicated to his other half. He is saying you make me feel complete and is appreciating all that she does. The production is done well. 

10. Dani

Takura is dedicating this track his kid Dani, warning the kid of the evils of this world. He is saying you will get overwhelmed by life, you will feel hopeless at certain times in life, do not despair, I am here for you, this song should give you strength. Takura is saying I have made my fair share of bad choices, chasing vanity and you should learn from that, be a hard worker and you will do great.

11. Better Together (feat Shannon)

Sometimes you realize the importance of your partner when you get to be apart, you may be held back by past trauma which makes you mess up stuff and fail to fully commit. Once that partner gives you space you will then realize that you are actually better together, life is better with them so you get to apologize and commit to be selfless and thoughtful. 

12. Thousand Miles Away

This is a tack you sing when you badly miss your partner who is be far away from you. You just yearning for their embrace, their kiss, their touch. You wish you were a bird and you could fly across the thousand miles to be with your partner. Takura has dedicated this track to his other half. 

13. Let It Rain (Outro)

This last track, fittingly the outro, Takura is baring his scars to us and accepting whatever fate if in-front of him. He is tired, he is in pain, he is praying for strength for he no energy to stop this rot that he is in. He doesn't know if he will overcome the challenges he is facing, he has done all he felt he could and is still in the hole. This may be the last we hear from him, he doesn't have the energy anymore, if the rain is coming, there is nothing he can do, let it rain!!! The rain can mean retirement or death, he is ready for it all. 

So ya that's it for Takura's Pariah and I have been impressed with this project. Takura is a master of making music that's sonically on point and he showed that throughout this project. On top of showing his unique talent he gets to show how broken he is on the project.

This album is filled with regrets, confessions and it shows the state Takura is at the moment, as you listen you fell he is in desperate need for some real connection. He is sharing his life mistakes with us on this project, the unnecessary chase for vanity (likes and popularity) that led to his life being hollow, which led to him spiraling into drug addiction and depression which he is now fighting constantly, a battle he many times feels is losing but he you can feel he is open to help. This is like a distress call from the Shona Prince.

Production wise the project is on point, Takura rarely rarely, nah he basically does not release half baked sounding projects and he continues on that streak with this project. It's sonically is on point, the tracks sound very good, the mastering is top level. The arrangements all fall into the modern RnB sound with hints of Hip Hop here and there. Fans of that American RnB will eat this up, for some Zimbabweans the project may feel too "salad" for them.

On the themes its mostly Takura sharing his mental and relationship struggles and desires with us. He has opened up on this project and those who wondered what is happening to Takura, this album will answer them. I feel the Rudo Rweshuwa single he released should have been part of this album, its such a beautiful track and it fits the vibe of this project.

In conclusion this is a good piece of work from the Shona Prince, he is in his element throughout this project. All the attributes that made Takura a household name in urban circles are all present on this project, we get Takura the Singer and Rapper, he fuses the two very well as showcased on the track Wazodai/Do You. Lastly its never easy being talented, when the Creator and Ancestors bless a person, bmore is going to be asked from that individual, such people will face insane amounts of pressure and stress that leads them into depression so when you notice such a person, do lend help and support in any way you can. Takura I feel is one such person who needs to be supported and helped to overcome the mental health issues he faces. 

My Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Feel free to share your views and thoughts on the album!!!

Proud_Zimbo