Album Review: ExQ - Tseu Tseu
Finally Finally Tseu Tseu is here, ohhh my had been waiting for this album since last year Aug when they first decided to drop it then for reasons not explained to us the fans changed the date. ExQ has gone through a massive reinvention and is now among-st the leaders of the new modern sound. With more than 15 years in the game its a testament of his greatness that he is still among he top artists..
These past two years ExQ has been on a roll, his Putiti album introduced us to the new refreshed ExQ then last year he was dominating the charts , clubs and parties with the tracks; Jerusarema feat Freeman, Lets Talk About It feat Nutty O and Nhema feat Killer T. Another thing you will get to see
Will be doing a track by track review as usual:
1. Tseu Tseu
The title track is the opening track of the album and it talks about ExQ's, how he managed to overcome his shortcomings, challenges and how he transformed his life to where he is now. The production is done very well and it gives you an insight of the direction the album will be following. ExQ himself delivered a good performance, chilled as usual but sounded Nigerian more than I expected which is unlike him.
2. Msikanzwa
This track sounds like a second version of Nhema, the arrangement of both the instrumental and vocals all borrow a lot from Nhema. The production is done well but somehow once you get the similarities to Nhema you cannot help buy compare and it does not reach the same levels. On this track ExQ is saying to his wife that lets send the kids to their grandparents and lets have a blast like we used to do.
3. Pahukama feat Jah Prayzah
JP is currently everywhere, featuring on every new album; Sabastian Magacha's Wonererwai Jesu album, Killer T Mashoko Anopfuura Album and he is probably gonna feature on many more projects coming this year. The biggest problem I have with JP featuring everywhere is that he is not changing his sound so we now have many songs that sound the same, couple that with his own tracks!!! This track is however going to get some traction and when in a party setup it works, however outside the prezha mode it does not work.
4. Nzenza feat Freeman
Was expecting to see their explosive collaboration Jerusarema on this album but they decided to give us another one and it sounding superb, the two definitely make a solid combination. On this track they are talking about sticking to your partner choice regardless of how other people view them, they may not be perfect to them but to you they are everything. The track borrows from Wizkid and Patoranking This Kind of Love but they did a good job adding their own flavour. Both artists delivered solid performances, ExQ was his iconic chilled self on the verses and the HKD Boss Freeman destroyed the hook as usual.
5. Unyerere feat Madiz
You have no idea my joy when I saw the name Madiz on this album, I'm a huge fan of the guy he is fantastic and he showed me on this track why I'm a huge fan of him on this track, he was superb. ExQ was his usual self on the verses but Madiz just stole the track, he has this vibe that is irresistible. On top of that this is a very good love song, its such a gift when the family appreciates and is happy about your partner. My current favourite on the whole album.
6. Bvuma feat Tanga WekwaSando
ExQ is on this track showing us how versatile he can be, he can adjust his style and delivery to fit any kind of sound. He last showed us such versatility on the track Pane Rudo feat Oliver Mtukudzi. The track has that super lovely feel good jazz sound you expect from Tanga Wekwa Sando, the production is done very well. ExQ somehow seems as the one who is featuring because Tanga has more time and as you would expect stole the show.
7. Lets Talk About It feat Nutty O
This is the oldest track on the album, it was released before all the other tracks here but regardless of that it's still a solid jam. It was a staple at many functions last year and it has managed to stand the test of time. Did a review of the track when it came out, check it out: Let's Talk About It Track Review.
8. Kalife feat Jnr Brown
On this track ExQ is urging people to enjoy their life for life is short, one should cease all the hating others stuff and be full and love & life. The production is done quite okay. The performances from both the artists is also okay, ExQ tried to add some interesting melodies to the track and to an extent they work but somehow the songs feels lacking to me.
9. Usandirambidze feat Trevor D, New Guy & Nutty O
ExQ seems to have mastered the art of feel good music, there are many songs on this album that give you that feeling and this songs is a addition to that list. This is one of those tracks ekubhlivhisa, the themes and choice of words is all made to make that girl fall deep in love with you. The track is a variation on the classic 2002 Diwali riddim, they just added some soulful keyboard strings to it. The vocal performances are commendable, New Guy delivered the best performance among the lot, ExQ is nearly non existent on this album.
10. Do Me Good feat Lulu Diva
Of the ExQ singles released last year this is one of two that failed to reach the high levels ExQ was operating on. The production is however done very well, its a feel good jam and has a lot of continental appeal as it follows a formula that is proven on the continental scale. ExQ delivered quite a commendable performance, it not his best, Lulu gave a lovely contrasting flavour that makes the track quite entertaining to listen to.
11. Teddy Bear
ExQ should now be regarded as the new doctor love, he is so goood at love songs. This track does things to me, its feel good song that gives you a warm feeling, it just puts you in a very good space. ExQ was superb on the vocals, love how he structured his vocals. The production is also done very well. Super lovely track.
12. Uyangihlangisa feat Skaiva & Rakeem
If you follow local house then you have come across and love Skaiva and Rakeem, they are the best when it comes to soulful house and they brought their soulful vibe on this track. Skaiva is superb when it comes to production and he did a lovely job on this track. Rakeem also blessed the track with his well mastered soulful vocals. ExQ again had to alter his style to fit the soulful house structure and he pulled it off quite well. This is a track you sing when you have that special person who will be driving you crazy in love.
13. Tsvigiri
Released just before the album this track will have you singing along and dancing with your lady in no time at all, whether you at a party or its just the two of you in the house it does the job. The JP influence is seen on the first verse but it's only restricted to the choice of words and I highly commend that. Everywhere else on the song we get the new refreshed ExQ that is getting people crazy all aver the country. This is a playful song whereby ExQ is telling his wife that she is sweet, she is the best and he cannot get enough of her. The production is superbly done and the track also came with some solid visuals.....every aspect of the track is on point.
14. Tsaga Of The Year
This is the other of the two track released last year that failed to match ExQ's high levels last year. On this track ExQ is talking how he is not ashamed to do what is necessary to earn cash, he is willing to swallow his pride and put in the work.
15. Nhema feat Killer T
This track needs no introduction, it's a monster hit that had Zimbos dancing all of last year and even now its still sounding very good. Did a review of the track when it came out and you can read that for a more in-depth review: Nhema Track Review. Even though the track is now nearly a year old it arguably the best track on the album.
15. Turn Up Remix feat Tellaman, Abizzy & Recado Banks
The last track on the album is a collaboration between artists from several countries. This is the kind of music you are likely to be hearing a lot if you tune in to Trace Music channel. The production follows a typical popular structure. Songs such as these only get the attention of many after one sees the visuals so there is need for some visuals for this track.
1. Tseu Tseu
The title track is the opening track of the album and it talks about ExQ's, how he managed to overcome his shortcomings, challenges and how he transformed his life to where he is now. The production is done very well and it gives you an insight of the direction the album will be following. ExQ himself delivered a good performance, chilled as usual but sounded Nigerian more than I expected which is unlike him.
2. Msikanzwa
This track sounds like a second version of Nhema, the arrangement of both the instrumental and vocals all borrow a lot from Nhema. The production is done well but somehow once you get the similarities to Nhema you cannot help buy compare and it does not reach the same levels. On this track ExQ is saying to his wife that lets send the kids to their grandparents and lets have a blast like we used to do.
3. Pahukama feat Jah Prayzah
JP is currently everywhere, featuring on every new album; Sabastian Magacha's Wonererwai Jesu album, Killer T Mashoko Anopfuura Album and he is probably gonna feature on many more projects coming this year. The biggest problem I have with JP featuring everywhere is that he is not changing his sound so we now have many songs that sound the same, couple that with his own tracks!!! This track is however going to get some traction and when in a party setup it works, however outside the prezha mode it does not work.
4. Nzenza feat Freeman
Was expecting to see their explosive collaboration Jerusarema on this album but they decided to give us another one and it sounding superb, the two definitely make a solid combination. On this track they are talking about sticking to your partner choice regardless of how other people view them, they may not be perfect to them but to you they are everything. The track borrows from Wizkid and Patoranking This Kind of Love but they did a good job adding their own flavour. Both artists delivered solid performances, ExQ was his iconic chilled self on the verses and the HKD Boss Freeman destroyed the hook as usual.
5. Unyerere feat Madiz
You have no idea my joy when I saw the name Madiz on this album, I'm a huge fan of the guy he is fantastic and he showed me on this track why I'm a huge fan of him on this track, he was superb. ExQ was his usual self on the verses but Madiz just stole the track, he has this vibe that is irresistible. On top of that this is a very good love song, its such a gift when the family appreciates and is happy about your partner. My current favourite on the whole album.
6. Bvuma feat Tanga WekwaSando
ExQ is on this track showing us how versatile he can be, he can adjust his style and delivery to fit any kind of sound. He last showed us such versatility on the track Pane Rudo feat Oliver Mtukudzi. The track has that super lovely feel good jazz sound you expect from Tanga Wekwa Sando, the production is done very well. ExQ somehow seems as the one who is featuring because Tanga has more time and as you would expect stole the show.
7. Lets Talk About It feat Nutty O
This is the oldest track on the album, it was released before all the other tracks here but regardless of that it's still a solid jam. It was a staple at many functions last year and it has managed to stand the test of time. Did a review of the track when it came out, check it out: Let's Talk About It Track Review.
8. Kalife feat Jnr Brown
On this track ExQ is urging people to enjoy their life for life is short, one should cease all the hating others stuff and be full and love & life. The production is done quite okay. The performances from both the artists is also okay, ExQ tried to add some interesting melodies to the track and to an extent they work but somehow the songs feels lacking to me.
9. Usandirambidze feat Trevor D, New Guy & Nutty O
ExQ seems to have mastered the art of feel good music, there are many songs on this album that give you that feeling and this songs is a addition to that list. This is one of those tracks ekubhlivhisa, the themes and choice of words is all made to make that girl fall deep in love with you. The track is a variation on the classic 2002 Diwali riddim, they just added some soulful keyboard strings to it. The vocal performances are commendable, New Guy delivered the best performance among the lot, ExQ is nearly non existent on this album.
10. Do Me Good feat Lulu Diva
Of the ExQ singles released last year this is one of two that failed to reach the high levels ExQ was operating on. The production is however done very well, its a feel good jam and has a lot of continental appeal as it follows a formula that is proven on the continental scale. ExQ delivered quite a commendable performance, it not his best, Lulu gave a lovely contrasting flavour that makes the track quite entertaining to listen to.
11. Teddy Bear
ExQ should now be regarded as the new doctor love, he is so goood at love songs. This track does things to me, its feel good song that gives you a warm feeling, it just puts you in a very good space. ExQ was superb on the vocals, love how he structured his vocals. The production is also done very well. Super lovely track.
12. Uyangihlangisa feat Skaiva & Rakeem
If you follow local house then you have come across and love Skaiva and Rakeem, they are the best when it comes to soulful house and they brought their soulful vibe on this track. Skaiva is superb when it comes to production and he did a lovely job on this track. Rakeem also blessed the track with his well mastered soulful vocals. ExQ again had to alter his style to fit the soulful house structure and he pulled it off quite well. This is a track you sing when you have that special person who will be driving you crazy in love.
13. Tsvigiri
Released just before the album this track will have you singing along and dancing with your lady in no time at all, whether you at a party or its just the two of you in the house it does the job. The JP influence is seen on the first verse but it's only restricted to the choice of words and I highly commend that. Everywhere else on the song we get the new refreshed ExQ that is getting people crazy all aver the country. This is a playful song whereby ExQ is telling his wife that she is sweet, she is the best and he cannot get enough of her. The production is superbly done and the track also came with some solid visuals.....every aspect of the track is on point.
14. Tsaga Of The Year
This is the other of the two track released last year that failed to match ExQ's high levels last year. On this track ExQ is talking how he is not ashamed to do what is necessary to earn cash, he is willing to swallow his pride and put in the work.
15. Nhema feat Killer T
This track needs no introduction, it's a monster hit that had Zimbos dancing all of last year and even now its still sounding very good. Did a review of the track when it came out and you can read that for a more in-depth review: Nhema Track Review. Even though the track is now nearly a year old it arguably the best track on the album.
15. Turn Up Remix feat Tellaman, Abizzy & Recado Banks
The last track on the album is a collaboration between artists from several countries. This is the kind of music you are likely to be hearing a lot if you tune in to Trace Music channel. The production follows a typical popular structure. Songs such as these only get the attention of many after one sees the visuals so there is need for some visuals for this track.
Stream the album: Tseu Tseu
So ya that is it for Tseu Tseu. Have been waiting for this album since mid last year and I'm happy to say it did not disappoint (was very afraid of that). ExQ has fully settled in the new modern sound he has been pushing since his last album Putiti (Putiti Album Review), but he did not just concentrate on the new sound but also showcased his versatility on this album.
Tracks such as Unyerere, Bvuma & Uyangihlanyisa are well produced and showcased how ExQ can easily adopt his style to fit different genres. He also found a formula or countering the dominance of dancehall on the locals music scene by collaborations with dancehall artists such as Freeman on Nzenza, Killer T in Nhema & Nutty O on Lets Talk About It and these tracks will make sure dancehall fans have something to enjoy on the album. One thing that was definitely a probability was that he was gonna work with JP and they did on the Pahukama a JP-esque track that in my opinion is there for the views. Despite the album being pushed mainly by collaborations ExQ showed on Tsvigiri & Tseu Tseu that even on his own he can make people sings along and dance.
In terms of themes ExQ is largely about Love and most of the tracks are about love. The production in overall is done very well, DJ Tamuka has established himself as the best in the country and it is showing throughout the album. I knew DJ Tamuka was already the best at afro beats but on this project he has showed that he is also versatile with productions such as on Bvuma and Unyerere.
In conclusion this is a solid project, an improvement from his last album. ExQ is arguably at the best stage in his entire career, many Zimbos have renewed their appreciation for him and there is a lot of buzz around him than ever before. He definitely deserves such hype because he has been in amazing form these past 3 years and it seems he is not stopping anytime soon. Have enjoyed listening to the album a lot and I definitely recommend this album.
My overall rating: A,
What are your thoughts on the track???
Proud Zimbo
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