Album Review: Mai Charamba - Voice Of Miriam

This is a very late album review but its here and that's the most important thing. This album was released the same day with the Baba Charamba's album which led to many comparing the two offerings from husband and wife. Have been listening to both the albums over the past couple of months and I have to say the project from Mai Charamba is more solid, its the better one in my opinion.

Will today be sharing with you my thoughts and views on the album Voice Of Miriam by Mai Charamba. She is definitely one of the iconic gospel artists in the country and this album further goes on to solidify her status as a legend in the industry. This album reminds me of her most successful album Daily Bread which was released back in 2011, her vocals are well mastered and the themes are well tackled and all in all the album is sounding very good. The tracks are both a mix of gospel and social commentary which help really bring out the motherly side of her.

Below will be as usual doing a track by track review of the album.

1. Mwaka

This is arguably the biggest/most known track on the album and it deserves to be because its very good. The production is done very well but its the theme that makes this track as powerful and memorable. Mai Charamba tackles the issue of time, the Bible says there is a time for everything, so she is urging people not to despise others when their time for success has dawned on them but rather celebrate with them for your time is coming. Its a track that will help a lot of people in this highly competitive era we live in.

2. Boycott Sin

The production of this track is done very well, arguably my favourite instrumental on the whole album. The structure, arrangement and choice of instruments on this track is spot on, it has this lively feel to it which I love. The track addresses that sometimes we wonder why our lives are not going as we prefer, why our plans are failing and she is saying sometimes that is because of our sinful ways. She goes on to say the Holy Spirit clearly tells us to leave a clean way in-order to reap the benefits of the Kingdom. 

3. Minana

This is more of a personal track from Mai Charamba. She is testifying how her life is a miracle, its not by her might that she is where she is now but its because of the Lords grace. On this track she also addresses the rumors that circled some time last year that she had passed away. The production is done well, the instrumental is toned down to add the required emotional vibe required on this track.

4. Mend My Ways

On this track Mai Charamba is talking about the desire for one to change into being a new better person. Many of us are used to do/say things in-certain ways which may not be appropriate so one needs to look at themselves deeply and notice where they need to change, you need to go unto the Lord and ask for the strength to make the necessary changes. They went for a reggae instrumental on this track and its sounding quite good. 

5. Vana Mumasango

Mai Charamba again continues on the social commentary tip with this powerful track where she is talking against those who take the gift of children for granted. There are many families out there who are praying day in day out for children then others throw their children away. Children are a gift from God and must be cherished. The production is done quite well, a typical Charamba structure. 

6. Takavinga Denga

She goes to talk about a very sensitive issue which may cause some disagreements. To enter the kingdom of God one must follow what the bible tells us to do, live the way that is illustrated throughout the bible. However some people seem to have substituted reading and meditating on the word of God with several actions which are on their own good actions but with no or less foundation on the word. She is however urging people not to lose focus on why they go to church. The production is again done quite well. 

7. Usaverengera Kunamata

She goes on an encouraging tip on this track where she is saying one must not procrastinate to do good things in life because you do not know what the future holds. It's a track dedicated to those who say lemme do what I do now and will get serious about praying and living a proper life at a certain period in the future. Mai Charamba says because of the uncertainty of life one must not postpone giving their life to the Lord and living a proper blameless life. 

8. Mwana Mwana

On this track Mai Charamba tackles a very important social topic that applies to everyone. This song is aimed at changing the oppressive mindsets that some of us grew up on. The girl child is not a laborer but she is as much a child like the boy child and deserves to be supported as she goes for her dreams. Yes she can help around the house chores but she is more than that so parents and the society need to learn to empower their daughters and not suppress them. Even the boy child also need to be able to help around with the house chores it's not only the girl child's duty.

Stream the album: Voice Of Miriam on Spotify

In conclusion this is a powerful album which I have enjoyed listening to. The production is done very well, it's not a departure from the usual sound we have come accustomed to from the Charamba's but it was implemented well. The vocals are what you would expect from Mai Charamba, there was no need to change them and they have the same effect they had on her last album Daily Bread (which was a very good album). The album covers a number of themes as expected. One thing that stood out is the motherly perspective of the album which gives the album a calming effect. 

My Overall rating of the album: A/B/C/Poor

What are your thoughts on the album???

Proud_Zimbo