EP Review: Takura - Relationship Goals

Takura introduced himself in a big way last year with the superb Stripped EP and he brought a lot of flair and swag to local hip hop. His music managed to get local hip hop music back into the clubs and party playlists all over. He went on to drop a number of very good visuals, in fact he is now the best when it comes to visuals in the hip hop fraternity. 

Was hoping he was gonna drop his debut album this year but that was not to be, regardless he dropped a number of tracks to ensure we don't get starved of his music. As the year began many were dancing and singing along to his hit jam Mungandindii, he went on to release Kamushekero Kacho and Nhasi Ndezveduwo which are receiving a lot of love from many Zimbos. 

He has now released a new EP and one thing that is quite evident is that he has moved to a more RnB/Trapsoul kind of sound, there is very little to no rapping on this EP as he was singing most of the time. It will be hard for anyone to classify this project as a hip hop album and this may disappoint others but his fans will not be phased because Takura always leaned to such a sound. Another highly evident thing is the use of samples and familiar sounding phrases throughout the EP, and because of that the tracks will sound familiar and that I believe will go a long way in endearing him with fans all over.

The EP has 5 tracks and will be doing a track by track review:

1. African Chicca/Melanin Popping

The first track draws inspiration from a number of tracks and artists, the chorus is borrowed from Maskiri and he fused some Beenie Man in there. The borrowed lines were integrated very well and make one entertaining jam. Takura delivered his signature performance throughout the track, sticking to his "keeping it simple" motto which makes his tracks easy to follow and sing along to. The production is done well, the track is sounding lovely. Every lady wants to be reassured by her man that he will take good care of her and will treat her like a queen and that is what Takura is saying on this track. 

2. Mai Mwana

Loved the Prince Tendai Character line that comes in at the beginning, it's such a classic jam and despite it only appearing once (more would have been extremely fine with me) many Zimbos will  instantly recognize it. Takura again expertly takes advantage recognizable phrases throughout the track to make it more relate-able and entertaining. The use of familiar elements also carries on to the instrumental which make use of the classic old skool dancehall riddims (sail away & Buy Out riddims). Takura again delivered his signature vocal performance, sticking to his proven style and format. He also made good use of repetition on this track, that "...hapana kwamuchaenda mai mwana..." loop just hits the right spots. 

3. I Want You

This track samples TLC's No Scrubs both on the instrumental and vocals, so to may 90s kids this track will sound familiar from the onset. The production is done very well, Young Nash is doing a superb job on this project. Takura again delivered his very good signature performance. Sometimes in relationships we do stuff that hurt our other halves causing a rift between the two of you and during that rift you will realize how much you want your person close to you. Takura is in such a situation on this track. 

4. Hold On To Your Love (feat IARE)

On this track they went for this slow afro beat structure that has taken over the continent and the production is again done very well. Takura collaborated with IARE an artist I had never heard of prior to this track and she did a superb job, andibhilivhisa, she has this chilled carefree vibe to her singing which reminds me of Jhene Aiko. The collaboration in overall works very well, the artists showed a lot of chemistry. 

5. Usayende 

He continued with the feel good sound on this track and from the onset it's sounding lovely. The production like all the tracks before it is done very well. This track is basically what every lady wants to hear, she wants to be told that she is special and you don't want her to go. Takura was at his best on the track delivering his signature style on the track.


So ya that's it for this EP and I have to say i'm very impressed. The production is done so so well, Young Nash was superb throughout the project. Regardless of Young Nash's brilliance Takura ran the show on this project, he complemented the instrumentals very well without changing or compromising his style and he shined thoughout. From the title: Relationship Goals one will know they are getting themselves into a overdose of love jams and that is exactly what this EP will give you. The tracks are positive and the project in overall has a feel good vibe to it which I'm loving a lot.

The thing I loved the most is how regardless of copying/borrowing popular lines structures or using popular samples he did not just end there but he added his own touch and style and that made the tracks  sound fresh. The only sort of complaint I have is why did he have to release this project during Xmas it would have been the perfect Valentines project.
My overall EP Rating. Good/Average/Poor

What are your thoughts on the EP???

Proud_Zimbo