Album Review: Jah Prayzah - Chitubu
The biggest artist in Zimbabwe is back again with another project. Last year he released the superb Kutonga Kwaro, an album I personally enjoyed a lot but ended up being a very much politicized project and that robbed it of its status and appeal. This year Jah had a huge task of separating his music from country politics and that probably pushed him to experiment with his sound leading to tracks such as Ronika & Angel Lo, which are probably his worst singles in recent memory. Many complained about his change in sound and that's why prior to this album he talked a lot about listening to his fans and going back to his old signature traditional sound.
The album is finally here and as always there is going to be a lot of noise about the project so have tried as much as I can to distance myself from hype-men so as to give an undiluted review. Getting into the album, major questions are; Has JP truly returned to his unique traditional sound?? He is still aiming at continental domination so how will he balance his songs?? and is this album better that his last project??
So the album contains 13 tracks and will be doing a track by track review down below.
1. Chikomo
The album starts with prayer. It's always said when you are searching for the face of God you go to pray in the mountain and on this track JP is crying out to the Lord pouring his heart our whilst in a prayer mountain. JP delivered quite a commendable performance on the vocals. When it comes to the production am not so convinced, the instrumental is not doing it for me, I feel the track would have been more better as an acappela.
2. Dangerous
This track is meant to get everyone on the dance-floor, it reminds me of the Jerusarema JP. The guitar work is done superbly well, it adds energy and style to the jam. The overall production is done well, instrumental arrangement is good. JP was in a comical mood on this track and that makes the track quite entertaining to listen to, his vocals compliment the instrumental well.
This track is meant to get everyone on the dance-floor, it reminds me of the Jerusarema JP. The guitar work is done superbly well, it adds energy and style to the jam. The overall production is done well, instrumental arrangement is good. JP was in a comical mood on this track and that makes the track quite entertaining to listen to, his vocals compliment the instrumental well.
3. Follow Me feat Patoranking
This track was done specifically for the continental market, it makes use of a popular sound and structure. In terms of vocals, Patoranking was superb delivering his signature performance, JP on the other did not impress me much, I feel he needed to adapt his style to this sound but he did not and was hoping just his voice would make the song good and that was not the case. Most importantly why did he even sign Nutty O to his record label if he does not get tracks such as this, I believe he would delivered a way way better performance than JP, get him on the remix at least.
This track was done specifically for the continental market, it makes use of a popular sound and structure. In terms of vocals, Patoranking was superb delivering his signature performance, JP on the other did not impress me much, I feel he needed to adapt his style to this sound but he did not and was hoping just his voice would make the song good and that was not the case. Most importantly why did he even sign Nutty O to his record label if he does not get tracks such as this, I believe he would delivered a way way better performance than JP, get him on the remix at least.
4. Tauchira
Love the production and overall feel of this jam, the track is arranged superbly well and the energy is contagious. This is the traditional sound many were crying for, it goes down smooth and keeps you dancing at the same time. Love the guitar work. JP was solid on the vocals and the backing vocals were superb. The last part of this track gets you into a trance, love the unison and fusion of the voices. I believe this track will be superb to watch at a live show and it's one of my favourite tracks on the album.
Love the production and overall feel of this jam, the track is arranged superbly well and the energy is contagious. This is the traditional sound many were crying for, it goes down smooth and keeps you dancing at the same time. Love the guitar work. JP was solid on the vocals and the backing vocals were superb. The last part of this track gets you into a trance, love the unison and fusion of the voices. I believe this track will be superb to watch at a live show and it's one of my favourite tracks on the album.
5. Sarai
On this track JP talks about the sensitive issue of death, he is trying to accept that death is part of life but at the same time wants more life on this earth. The song also serves as a dedication to all the people he has lost, those who have left without saying goodbye. The production is done quite okay and the vocals also.
On this track JP talks about the sensitive issue of death, he is trying to accept that death is part of life but at the same time wants more life on this earth. The song also serves as a dedication to all the people he has lost, those who have left without saying goodbye. The production is done quite okay and the vocals also.
6. Kune Rima
Love the feel of this track, it welcomes you with some superb guitar work. The overall production is done well, love how the saxophone is done well and gives the song a lovely jazzy feel. JP was also good on the vocals delivering a solid performance. This track is a lovely love jam, where JP is saying to the lady he likes, come clean and tell me how you feel.
7. Chigunduru
This track takes me back to the before 2016 JP, it has a similar flavour and vibe. The production is done well and is reminiscent of that period, and if you were a fan of JP then you will enjoy this track. On the track he is saying it's not by choice that he is languishing in poverty, surviving by handouts from others and that he does not that which he calls his.
This track takes me back to the before 2016 JP, it has a similar flavour and vibe. The production is done well and is reminiscent of that period, and if you were a fan of JP then you will enjoy this track. On the track he is saying it's not by choice that he is languishing in poverty, surviving by handouts from others and that he does not that which he calls his.
8. Hakata
Was playing the tracks on random and this is the first track that had me pressing the repeat button on the album. JP delivered some superb vocals and the backing vocals were also up to par. The guy who did the bass on the last part of the track is superb. The track talks about that moment where you feel like all is against you, you feel as if favour is not on your side, so you cry out to the ancestors asking why they have left you. The production is minimal and well done, it compliments the song perfectly delivering a serious traditional feel.
Was playing the tracks on random and this is the first track that had me pressing the repeat button on the album. JP delivered some superb vocals and the backing vocals were also up to par. The guy who did the bass on the last part of the track is superb. The track talks about that moment where you feel like all is against you, you feel as if favour is not on your side, so you cry out to the ancestors asking why they have left you. The production is minimal and well done, it compliments the song perfectly delivering a serious traditional feel.
9. Special Somebody feat Sauti Sol
This was the collaboration I was waiting for the most, am a huge huge Sauti Sol fan and i'm glad to confirm the collaboration does not disappoint. The mbira on this track reminds me of Chiwoniso straight, it has that dreamy enchanting progression and feel to it. The overall production is done superbly well, the arrangement creates a superb platform for the superb vocals to shine. Talking about the vocals, they were done very well, surprisingly JP sings for a very small part than he usually does. Sauti Sol were very superb on the vocals. JP also raised his game especially on the last half of the song, showcasing his strong vocals on the "Kana ndafunga kumba" part. This track is for those in long distance relationships, it's always hard to live in a different place/country with your partner, you will be longing for your Special Somebody, their love and companionship. One of my favourite track on the album.
This was the collaboration I was waiting for the most, am a huge huge Sauti Sol fan and i'm glad to confirm the collaboration does not disappoint. The mbira on this track reminds me of Chiwoniso straight, it has that dreamy enchanting progression and feel to it. The overall production is done superbly well, the arrangement creates a superb platform for the superb vocals to shine. Talking about the vocals, they were done very well, surprisingly JP sings for a very small part than he usually does. Sauti Sol were very superb on the vocals. JP also raised his game especially on the last half of the song, showcasing his strong vocals on the "Kana ndafunga kumba" part. This track is for those in long distance relationships, it's always hard to live in a different place/country with your partner, you will be longing for your Special Somebody, their love and companionship. One of my favourite track on the album.
10. Kumahumbwe
This track is a fusion of afro beat and dancehall, the overall production is done quite okay. On the track JP is singing to the one that got away, he misses her, they have know each other for since they were young and his heart yearns for her but now that she is taken he wishes the best for her. When it comes to the vocals JP tried to show his versatility, as he switched between a number of styles and yaaah its okay, just okay!.
This track is a fusion of afro beat and dancehall, the overall production is done quite okay. On the track JP is singing to the one that got away, he misses her, they have know each other for since they were young and his heart yearns for her but now that she is taken he wishes the best for her. When it comes to the vocals JP tried to show his versatility, as he switched between a number of styles and yaaah its okay, just okay!.
11. Dzamutsana
This is an early favourite of many and that's largely due to that it came with some superb visuals, arguably JP's best visuals to date. The track itself is also impressive, JP is singing about a lady that he loves, the lady he has chosen and wants to share his life with. He delivered a superb vocal performance and the backing vocals were also at par. The production is done very well, it's well arranged and sound very lovely, enjoyed the unassuming guitar.
This is an early favourite of many and that's largely due to that it came with some superb visuals, arguably JP's best visuals to date. The track itself is also impressive, JP is singing about a lady that he loves, the lady he has chosen and wants to share his life with. He delivered a superb vocal performance and the backing vocals were also at par. The production is done very well, it's well arranged and sound very lovely, enjoyed the unassuming guitar.
12. Kide
This was the first track JP teased about from this album and it seems like a completely different track from the one he first uploaded on his YouTube channel. Personally I like the mbira version to this dancehall version, the instrumental arrangement is a bit generic. JP was also less inspiring on the vocals, this is one of the lesser tracks on the album. it's a sort of dancehall song judging from the arrangement of both the vocals and instrumental. The lyrics all point to that dancehall, having fun theme but in overall the track fails to move me.
This was the first track JP teased about from this album and it seems like a completely different track from the one he first uploaded on his YouTube channel. Personally I like the mbira version to this dancehall version, the instrumental arrangement is a bit generic. JP was also less inspiring on the vocals, this is one of the lesser tracks on the album. it's a sort of dancehall song judging from the arrangement of both the vocals and instrumental. The lyrics all point to that dancehall, having fun theme but in overall the track fails to move me.
13. Chitubu
The last track on the album is also the title track and its the single that was released prior to the album release to reassure the fans that he has definitely returned to the much loved traditional sound. The track is produced well, love how both the lead guitar and backing vocals sing together. JP was good on the vocals delivering a good performance.
The last track on the album is also the title track and its the single that was released prior to the album release to reassure the fans that he has definitely returned to the much loved traditional sound. The track is produced well, love how both the lead guitar and backing vocals sing together. JP was good on the vocals delivering a good performance.
So ya that's it for this album, its quite good, the overall production is done well. Comparing to his last project I however feel this one if of a slightly lower quality. This album came at a time where JP is facing an identity crisis of sort, he spent a lot of time reassuring people that he is reverting to his signature traditional sound and at the same time he wants to further push his reach on the continental scene and trying to please two masters is hard for anyone.
In terms of lyrical ability, JP still has his touch, he continues with his signature style of using deep shona lyrics which many (including me) love. When it comes to vocals I feel on Kutonga Kwaro JP reached his vocal peak, he was amazing. On this album he continues on the same level, but because of how his last album was overplayed we have gotten used to his new level and its not as jaw-dropping on this album. The backing vocals are a different case, they have greatly improved on this album, tracks such as Chitubu, Tauchira, Dazmutsana & Hakata can testify to that.
When it comes to themes JP he balanced them quite well, from personal prayers (Chikomo & Chitubu) to love (Dzamutsana, Kumahumbwe, Special Somebody...), to some social issues (Sarai), he has always shined on this aspect and he continues like so on this project. The few exceptions are on tracks such as Follow Me & Kide where I feel he was trying to much to create turn up tracks and ended up delivering shallow jams which does not excite much.
The overall production like I said before is done well, love the fact that this album contains some lovely guitar work, am a sucker for good guitar work. The mbira on Special Somebody is heavenly, reminds me of the late Sister Chi. The instrumental arrangements are done well on a number of tracks such as Hakata, Special Somebody, Dzamutsana, Tauchira... and on on tracks such as Kide, Chikomo, Follow Me... it leaves a lot to be desired.
What are your thoughts on the album??
In terms of lyrical ability, JP still has his touch, he continues with his signature style of using deep shona lyrics which many (including me) love. When it comes to vocals I feel on Kutonga Kwaro JP reached his vocal peak, he was amazing. On this album he continues on the same level, but because of how his last album was overplayed we have gotten used to his new level and its not as jaw-dropping on this album. The backing vocals are a different case, they have greatly improved on this album, tracks such as Chitubu, Tauchira, Dazmutsana & Hakata can testify to that.
When it comes to themes JP he balanced them quite well, from personal prayers (Chikomo & Chitubu) to love (Dzamutsana, Kumahumbwe, Special Somebody...), to some social issues (Sarai), he has always shined on this aspect and he continues like so on this project. The few exceptions are on tracks such as Follow Me & Kide where I feel he was trying to much to create turn up tracks and ended up delivering shallow jams which does not excite much.
The overall production like I said before is done well, love the fact that this album contains some lovely guitar work, am a sucker for good guitar work. The mbira on Special Somebody is heavenly, reminds me of the late Sister Chi. The instrumental arrangements are done well on a number of tracks such as Hakata, Special Somebody, Dzamutsana, Tauchira... and on on tracks such as Kide, Chikomo, Follow Me... it leaves a lot to be desired.
My overall rating: 6.5/10
What are your thoughts on the album??
Proud_Zimbo
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