Best Albums from Zimbabwe Part 2 : Urban Edition
Many fantastic album have been released by Zimbo's and hopefully in time l'll cover them all 5 at a time (If possible). For this 2nd edition will be concentrating on album by the young urban artists. The 1st edition had albums from legendary artists but every artist has the potential to make a legendary album. It may be a one time wonder...yep, that doesn't matter because when an album is good its good, mention and praise must be given to that offering.
Here we go:
- Trinity - Ini Iye Naye (2006)
The group was made up of 3 guys : Andrew Musonza, Resilience Chikere & Kevie It carried more hits and classics than nearly all albums released in the same period. It was a 16 track Album and consisted songs such as : Smokey Chamhembe(Skit), Dashibige, Chiyedza, Kusvika Zuva Radzima, Zvachose, Ndoda Iwe ft Roki, Rudo, Usatye ft Jnr Brown, Trubute Interlude, Wadiwa ft Tatenda Kwetemu, Ngeke Ngimswela ft Nesu, Jesa, Muskana Uye, Ndichakuwana, Nditore, Kusvika Zuva Radzima (Acoustic). Personally am still a fan of this album, Jesa is one of the most iconic Love songs ever made in Zim and l always have it in my phone. Although Trinity was largely overshadowed by Mafriq & Extra Large, this album will forever uphold their Legacy. A Masterpeice.
For those wish to get the album, you can buy it on:
> Zimall
- Trevor Dongo : First Verse (2012)
Was a fan of Trevor since Ndozviitasei in 2001, and when he released Ruvarashe in 2010 the album drove me crazy, loved Tivanyadzise and Nerunako to bits. I remember saying to my friends (who weren't fans of Trevor then) that this is the best album in years and he may never produce something as good (it was his Chidzoka). Then came First Verse, at first was adamant that its less good than Ruvarashe but that didn't last for long. First verse is a 12 track album, with tracks such as : Ndashamisika, No Limits, Ndawana Zano, Mutore, Newe, Musikana Wangu, Tisasiyane, Takonana, Rudo Rwako, Mutore (Dance Mix), Musikana Wangu (Acoustic) and the Intro. The album was a massive hit with the song Ndashamisika was voted song of year on three different radio stations (the top stations), it was a first for a song to do so and the record still stands. Because of First Verse, Trevor crowned King of RnB in Zim.
- Winky D : Igofigo (The Unthinkable) (2010)
Winky D or The Bigman as he is referred to is considered a musical Legend. He is now called the elder because he had done so much for the genre of dancehall than any other artist. He reached levels previously thought to be only for the elderly artist, in his twenties he was rated among the big 5 artists in Zim and at that time he was singing a genre that was the smallest in terms of fan-base which was still widely looked down upon (Impressive). Looking at his career and rise to the top, everything changed with the release of Igofigo in 2010. The album made him a household name, it did for him what Jerusalema is doing for Jah Prayzah. The album had 9 tracks namely : Controversy, Baby Mama ft Shyman, Vaudze ft Stunner, Buss Di Shot ft Guspy Warrior, Isusu, Musarova Bigman, Tinokurura, Snepi and She Woulda Go ft Layaan & Ngoni Zee. This album is iconic, choosing a favourite song would give anyone a headache. It was like the national anthem, played in all corners of Zim.
- Karma : Chasing Moments (2013)
Talk about iconic Hip Hop albums, this albums is possibly the best ever produced in Zimbabwe. While Americans celebrate Nas's Illmatic, Kendricks Good Kid M.A.A.D City and Cole's Forest Hills Drive just to mention a few, Zimbabweans celebrate Chasing Moments.Chasing moments did not get much publicity and airplay as the albums listed above mainly because hip hop is not that much celebrated in Zimbabwe. But despite of that, Chasing Moments was a massive hit in the streets and up to this day its still the must keep local hip hop album. Karma made a name for himself on this album, he however went into hibernation (possibly he's finishing school) but every time he drops anything new the whole hip hop industry stop and listen, it shows what a reputation he has made for himself. The album consisted of 10 tracks namely : Intro, Zilluminati ft Mik, Come Home Sinner ft Simz 27, Zvakunakidza, Fall Iniit, All I Need ft Anthony Grey & J-Rokc, Come Closer ft Simz 27, Chasing Moments, Follow Me and The Baddest. This is a must have album for anyone, the delivery, lyrics and instrumentals were all on point. Flawless Album.
Full Track By Track Review : Bars263
Download The Album : Chasing Moments.
Download The Album : Chasing Moments.
- Alexio Kawara - Tose (2011)
Talk about transition from one genre to another, Alexio mastered his transition smoothly and with extreme maturity. Changing genres is hard mostly cause one will lose fans and there is a high probability of failure in the new genre. Alexio Kawara is on of those rare artists who have managed to change from on genre to another and instead of losing fans he actually gained many more. Alexio was a major actor in the urban grooves movement from its inception in the early 2000's. He was one of the best RnB artist at the time with classics such as Wakaenda, Bvuma, Angie, Shaina...etc to his name. Once the Urban Groves movement had made roots Alexio switched to Afro Jazz. His last hit before he switched was Shaina and the song was a massive hit, it was song of the year that year. When he switched many were skeptical if he could manage Afrojazz and with the release of Tose all doubts were laid to rest. The album carried 13 tracks namely : Tose, Chihwandehwande, Newe, Save, Chinyanye, Chipo Changu, Wadiwa, Gomba Remoto, Kuchanaya, Sons & Daughters, Paunoda, Mwana WaAmai and Se. When the album the reception was lukewarm but as time went on fans accepted the new Alexio and the demand of the album started to grow. 4 years later the album is still very much loved and is regarded as one of the best afro jazz album in the past 10 years.
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