Album Review: Oliver Mtukudzi - Hany'Ga

The legendary Oliver Mtukudzi is back with another album!!! personally I feel it's not really necessary for him to keep releasing albums, he has over 60 albums and they contain enough classics for him to keep performing till he cannot perform anymore. However Tuku has been doing this longer than I have been on this earth its now part of him and it's hard to retire from something you love that much.

Going to this album one thing you realize is that his music these days is less aimed at being commercial successes but it's him sharing his mind with fans, he is addressing certain social issues that he feels need to be addressed. It's no longer the Paivepo, Vhunze Moto, Tsivo, Nhava, Neria Tuku, he has now fully taken the granddad of music role in its entirety, whenever he releases something he is advising just as granddad's do. On this album the among other things he tackles the issue of child marriages.

The album contains 10 tracks and as per usual will be doing a track by track review.

1. Matope

The first track on the album is a lovely uptempo jam, which will get you moving to the rhythm in no time. The instrumental arrangement is done very very well, it has the energy that was missing from his past 3-4 projects. On the track he is talking about lack of concern, those people who have ruined the previously sacred and/or treasured systems or cultures. Tuku was at his best on the vocals, delivering his well spaced vocals which leave you with time and space to comprehend and decipher the track.

2. Bopoto

This is another beautiful jam whereby Tuku is talking about those people who just cause arguments in everything they do, they fail to recognize their place in any setup and cause havoc every-time. Tuku explains with the use of a traditional fire setup where he is saying the supporting rocks (mapfihwa) regardless of how big they are, are not more important than the other stuff required for cooking such as the firewood, or the clay pot that shall be used to cook. He urges that a person should know that they can go about their business without causing havoc and problems to others. The instrumental is arranged very well and is sounding good. The vocals are also done well, Tuku delivered his signature style and the backing vocals did a solid job complimenting Tuku.

3. Shingirinya
Tuku switched to his fun side on this track, he definitely was in a celebratory mood on this track. The track is basically about having a good time, dance, jump around, shake and enjoy yourself. The instrumental does a good job in bringing out the fun vibe of the track. The vocals are also done well. This will probably be the track to get more radio airplay on the whole album.

4. Haasati Aziva

This was the first track I heard on the album and it's one of those tracks that are made for NGO's that deal with child marriages and abuses, it not for the commercial market but purely for humanitarian uses. On this track Tuku is signing against child marriages, urging parents not to be selfish to the extent that they push their little daughters into early marriage so they can get to enjoy the lobola. The production is done quite okay, it fits the purpose of the track, besides on humanitarian works/use this is one of those tracks many will be skipping.

5. Dehenya
This is more like a gospel track, it talks about how every person shall be judged according to their actions even those they did without anyone knowing, like insulting someone in you mind. The Lord however can see or knows all of it so in the end you shall be judged for those actions. The instrumental arrangement is done quite well, it will make a good soundtrack for that long journey. 

6. Mahara

This track has a different feel to the Tuku that we are used to, the bass and lead guitar are structured in a different way to usual Katekwe arrangement, its more akin to the modern king of arrangement which has a rhumba inspired lead guitar but regardless it's sounding good. On this track Tuku is saying there is nothing for free, you will pay in one way or the other. The vocals are done well but it's the instrumental that steals the show here.

7. Inyasha

On this track Tuku is talking about the gift of grace, for it by the Lord's grace that we are where we are so he is urging people to be thankful of the mercy and grace awarded to them. The  arrangement is done well, Tuku carries on with the experimenting with this track, it's less to usual katekwe sound that we are used to but more inclined to the classic afro jazz from guys such as the late Hugh Masekela. 

8. Wanza Sorry

This is an interesting song but I feel it's ill timed, had this been released during the Mugabe era it would have been a big track but now that era is more like a dream and the song is more of a soundtrack a dream many want to forget. The track can apply to other many circumstances regardless but it a song for Grace Mugabe you cannot escape that fact. On this track Tuku is talking about the importance of humility, despite how learned one is they must always have humility and not let their pride lead. The production is done well, the arrangement follows the usual smooth katekwe sound we are used to from Tuku. 

9. Inombotanga Sei?
Tracks such as these are the ones that remind you that this is a legend of the game. The production is done very well it's down to earth, mellow and on point. Tuku is asking the Lord where poverty and struggles come from, as a nation and continent we have struggled for years so he is asking where does it come from so we can be on the lookout and change our history. Powerful. Tuku delivered a strong and passionate performance, reminding me of the Neria Tuku. On of my favourite tracks on the album. 

10. Uchatinhei?

On the last track Tuku is talking about those people who always want to be in the lead, being the first to something with no regard for procedure. He is saying at least create a foundation before you move to the next stage, you cannot buy cow whip when you do not even own cattle. The production is done quite well and Tuku delivered his signature performance.

Stream the album: Hany'Ga on Spotify

Buy the album: Hany'Ga on iTunes

So ya that's it for the track by track review, in overall this is quite a good album. Feared it was gonna be as lackluster as the last album but it really surprised me and I have enjoyed listened to it. Its not as good as his 1998 - 2005 albums but it not bad.

Tuku tackled a couple of themes on this album as expected. The tracks are more on a personal tip in that they urge people to audit their lives and work to be better people.

In conclusion this is quite a commendable project from Tuku, it shows he still has the touch, the magic may not be at the levels it was a decade back but there is still some left. For legends such as Tuku and Mukanya, Macheso ...etc, will no longer be giving the usual rating, they have done so much for the music industry and deserve respect. will however just say whether I recommend the album or not. In this instance, I do RECOMMEND the album.

What are your thoughts on the album??

Proud_Zimbo