Simon Mutambi & Cobra Kings - Yadeuka Yadeuka Album Review

If you ask many to pick their top artist and band among the new crop of Sungura guys, Simon Mutambi will be top of the list for many. Simomo or Mr Personari as he is affectionately known has over the years shown he has what it takes to keep the genre going strong. He has been a top performer in the charts, a constant in playlists in various beerhalls, outdoor spots & bars. If you also visit Sungura Tik Tok, Simon Mutambi is a constant is various shorts. 

His last album Tiri Pamutsetse was well received and performed well. The album was released in a year where the Legend Alick Macheso and another young force Mark Ngwazi were pitted to be the talk of town but it was Mutambi who won the hearts and votes of the masses, especially with the lead single Chembere Yako, the track was in the top three in the end of year countdowns for both Radio Zimbabwe & National FM. The album he released prior Uchataura Zvese was also a favorite of many, with two tracks from the album (Dananai Kwenyu & Zvinamatire) each reaching top two on Radio Zimbabwe & National FM on the end of year countdowns.

Given his recent and even past success a lot is expected from Mutambi, he is already regarded as among the finest so every release is expected to be better. One thing that was holding Simomo back for years was the poor maxing of his vocals, on the instrumentals he has been operating at a top level, the remaining piece were the vocals. On the last two albums the vocals were better mixed, hope the improvement continues with this album.

The album is finally out and have taken some time to listen to the track and today will be sharing with you my views and thoughts on the album.

1. Shamiso

Mutambi is dedicating this song to a lady that has won his heart, Shamiso, he is praising her and  admiring her looks, posture and manners. Production is done well, instrumental arrangement is solid, the track flows very well. An interesting addition to the instrumental line up are the hosho and congas, they gave the track a different feel which grounds the track. The guitar work is on point from the onset, the lead, rhythm and bass progressions are spot on. The vocals are also well done. 

2. Yadeuka Yadeuka (ft Gift Amuli)

On the track the two artists are saying what is done is done, when the relationship is over its over, each must now go their own way. You had your chance and lost it so move one and despite who I shall date in the future be sure you will not interfere, go your own way. The guitar work is solid on this one, you can pick some Amuli attributes in the arrangement and guitarwork (mostly the rhythm guitar). The collaboration between the two works well, Simon's hoarse voice and Amuli's smooth vocals. 

3. Wenyasha (ft Nicholas Zakaria)

Simomo teams up with the Icon, Senior Lecturer Nicholas Zakaria for this thanksgiving track. They are thanking the Lord for his grace and protection. The track is well made, the guitar work is solid, transitions are smooth, vocals are well spaced and dragged. You can feel the Khiama touch from the onset, Madzibaba Zakaria brought that magic touch, especially on the lead & Rythym guitars backed by some solid bass guitar from Simon Mutambi. The vibe of this track invokes some nostalgia and is calming. The combination between the two is beautiful, vocally and sound wise. 

4. Amai ndi Amai

This track is about giving due respect to your parents despite their failures and mistakes in life. You father is your father no matter what, same as your mother so give them due respect. Don't project your life upon them, love and respect them with their shortcomings and mistakes. The track is well made and guitar work is solid. 

5. Urikudanana Nemunhu Wemunhu

This track explores a painful but real situation in many relationships today, someone only getting into a relationship with you because of convenience rather than affection. Once you take away those conveniences the other partner will just move one and not even put up a fight, they move on to the next target. Basically you are placeholder of the real partner. The track is arranged well, guitar work is again solid. The vocals are solid on this track.

6. Zverudo Chimbomira

Mutambi is saying if all we do in this relationship is argue, shout at each other and ask each other frustrating questions then its better we stop. Despite the inherent challenges any relationship has it's also vital that you get time to enjoy each others company, fool around, laugh with each other, otherwise there is no reason to hold on to that relationship. The production is solid and guitar work is good. 

7.  Nyaya Dzangu

On this track Mr Personari is addressing those people who spend the whole day talking bad about others, those people who seem like its their duty to report all that is happening in someone's life. The track is made well, the guitarwork again is solid. 

So ya that's it for Yadeuka Yadeuka and Mr Personari proves he is force to be reckoned with, he proves he can raise the bar and keep the genre alive. Given his rising stock a lot was expected and he has delivered. 

The production of the album is solid, the producer did a good job. My biggest worry heading into the album was the vocals, the instruments may be well arranged and mixed but if the vocals are not up to par it affects the whole track. I have to say on this album, the vocals are well made and well mixed, probably the best vocals from Mutambi for a long time. When talking about vocals its not about  the voice being sweet and smooth, no, its about the vocals being audible, where one can easily follow what is being sang about and on this album that is well executed. 

The instrumental arrangement as one would have expected going into this album are well done, Sungura is about the guitar work and there are some beautiful guitar progressions on this album. The Cobra Kings band is growing from strength to strength, the lead guitarists was solid throughout, the rhythm guitarist were also up to standard and Mutambi was on his best on the bass. The drummer was solid and on Shamiso the guy on ngoma/percussions did a solid job. On this album we manage to get both the playful side of Mutambi as well as his disciplined side. 

On the themes the album addresses love issues most with tracks such as Shamiso, Yadeuka Yadeuka, Urikudanana Nemunhu Wemunhu & Zverudo Chimbomira. The themes tackled are well addressed, the issues are easy to follow, relevant but not too deep. 

To conclude I have to say this is a very good offering from Mr Personari, Smart Sungura as he coins it. The Sungura genre is in dire need of a strong leader and Mutambi has proven with this project that he is that person. This album was a delight to listen to, went in expecting much and he has delivered and I believe every Sungura artists has taken notice, this is not a project you just ignore but it shows a change in the level required in the game. Such competition is vital for the complete revival of the genre. I highly reccommend this project, it the bet Sungura project so far this year and among the top artists on this year. 

My Overall Rating: 8/10

Feel free to share your thoughts on the album down below!!

Proud_Zimbo