Holy Ten - Musoro Wenzou Album Review

Holy Ten has mastered the art of trending, the guy knows how to get the attention of  young people. He knows his target market well and how to get them talking, a true social media era influencer. For a 90's kid like me who grew up during the Urban Grooves Movement era, Holy Ten has many similarities with Stunner, both know how to keep people talking even when there is no music, they both represent a level of boldness that many hate and many more envy and wish they had. You can hate him but cannot escape his moves or headlines. 

I will not be getting into the many dramas and scandals Holy Ten has been through, you can read about them on social media, will just concentrate on the music. This album was supposed to drop on 18 April on Independence day, a album launch event was held and even another one in Zambia but besides Ganza featuring Oriyano the other tracks never dropped. Two months later Mujaya decided its now time to properly release those tracks, finally.

Have been listening to the tracks and today will be sharing with you my thoughts and views on the album.

1. Ndikanamata feat Feli Nandi

The album opens with Holy Ten crying out unto the Lord for guidance. He sometimes feels lost in life but finds comfort in knowing the Creator above is there to provide support and strength so he can move on. The collaboration between the two works, this one is better than the last one Ndiri Ndega, on this one you get to hear Holy more, he was more of a sub-note on the other one. 

2. Bhundu Prefects

Holy is saying there is no-one to hold you back in the life of enjoyment, in the paces of pleasure and hustle so one needs self control or they will go astray or do something that may ruin their life's forever. Its like a Bhundu, the forest, anything goes so one should always be wary of their actions. 

3. Personal ft Nyasha David

This track is about appreciating their other half for how well they treat you. That person who just knows how to push your buttons, that person who makes you think of settling down. You feel like giving them the world. The collaboration between the two works very well, Nyasha David's sweet vocals provide a perfect contrast to Holy's deep hoarse voice. It's the combination that worked very well on Pressure (Holy's most viewed song) with Mr Candy and Mr Magz and it works again on this one. This will probably be a favorite of many. 

4. Mugomo feat Jake Milez

This track is about making time to intercede for your life, to dedicate some time to talk to the Almighty to share your troubles and struggles. Many young people are weighed down by the pressure of life, feeling like life is going nowhere despite one trying hard. One needs to get close to the Lord and he will help carry your burden. The combination between the two works again, Holy Ten is good at selecting who to work with, contrasting vocals again provide the magic setup on this one. The instrumental is also well made, the subdued guitar adds a lovely touch to the track. 

5. Pengai Mudzoke

Holy on this track is advising the youth about the dangers of living a reckless life, he shares that he has been through it all and its a dark hole to crawl yourself out of. He carefully speaks against the many ills and behaviors that many young people do.

6. Mwana Wenyu feat Saintfloew

Holy Teams up with Saintfloew on this track where they are addressing the issue of depression and mental issues that many young people are suffering from today, which is leading many to commit suicide. They are urging the parents to be attentive and aware of the state of their children, they may be in a dark space where they need advice and support whilst the parent is busy with other things. The collaboration between the two works well. 

7. Hapana Space

This track is about prioritizing working for your future, dedicating your time and energy to working for that life you need. He is urging others to not spend time chasing the vain things in life, its never too early to have the life you need so get down to work. 

8. Mapapiro feat Scrip Mula

When I saw Scrip Mula I knew the track will have a have fire hook, Mula is basically the best at that in the whole Hip Hop industry and he did not disappoint. The track is about appreciating the role mothers play in one's life, the prayers, the advice, the care. 

9. Dzimwe Hembe

This track is about the desire to move on to the next level, when one is fed with the status quo and is now willing to change it. 

10. Ganza feat Oriyano

This was the first track that was released and has already racked up over 1million views on YouTube. The track is about praising that lady that drives you crazy, urging her to shine as bright as the sun for they deserve to shine. The collaboration between the two works well.

So ya that's it for Musoro Wenzou and I have to say this is the first solid album that Holy Ten has released since he came onto the scene. Previously it was always about having one or two singles becoming hits and forgetting about the others, this one has been a solid listen from start to end.  

The production is well done throughout this album, the sound is more cohesive, as you listen you can easily pick that Holy Ten has a sound he is pursuing. Previously it was a mix of sounds, styles and vibes, this one has more uniformity. The track arrangements flow well together, a common vibe is maintained as you move from one track to the other. You can feel Holy Ten is now more composed, he has found a sound that works for him and has stuck to it, that's growth. He continues the strategy of having short tracks, he popularized that trend in Zim and he continues on this album, Pengai Mudzoke is under 2 mins. That style has its ups and downs; its great for social media, tracks are short and end before you even know it and that may force you to replay it more, also it hard to mess up a 2 minute song, the track just goes straight to the sweet spot, no worries about build up. The downside of short tracks is they only work if you're in the mood for that sound, build up is important is swaying the mood, to a certain space. Short tracks also lack the staying power as time goes on,  longer tracks tend to leave a lasting imprint on the listener. But given most young people nowadays have short attention spans and just want to be in the zone at all times this is a strategy that pays off, make the money when you can still trend. 

Holy Ten played to his strengths on this album, short verses or just one verse per song and long choruses. Less of him rapping, which is good because he doesn't stress himself with writing many bars, he just concentrates on hitting the spot with one good verse per track, that in overall makes him appear much better at dropping bars that he really is. He has been doing so for years but I feel its more evident on this album.

Another strength is his choice of collaborations, I have to say he is among the best at choosing who and how to collaborate. Mostly he goes for the singers, those with better vocal range and control which provides a solid contrast to his style. That makes him appear dynamic even though his performances are somewhat similar. He expertly uses song elements and structures to magnify his style. Many artists over the world do the same but in Zim no-one is doing so with such success among at the current moment.

Another aspect that shows growth and maturity is the themes. This album is more socially conscious, unlike the many other albums this one feels more down to earth, he is not trying to provoke or jump on a trend. He is composed and is more sincere in his messaging. Is this a sign of a change in character from Mujaya?? time will tell.

To conclude this is a solid offering from Holy Ten, the first I can call a good album from the man. First album of his that dropped with the least amount of drama, yes it was late but the social media streets were relatively quiet this time around which is good as that will make people sit down and listen with an open mind. Music wise Holy Ten has matured, this album testifies to some serious growth in how he is approaching his music. I never really felt Holy Ten had the good music to back his popularity and bold character, after listening to this album I now feel like yeah there is something to this guy, he is not overrated after all, he actually can make good music.

Overall Rating is: 7.25/10

Feel free to share your thoughts on the album.

Proud_Zimbo