My Top Albums of 2018

As with every other year, 2018 has received it's fare share of album releases both from the seasoned artists to the new and upcoming artists. We have now reached the end of the year so it's fitting that I share with you my favourite musical projects for the year. Am fortunate enough to have been able to listen and review a number of albums released this year and today will be sharing with you my favourite ones. 

Before we get into the top projects have to clarify that the albums under consideration are those that were released from December 2017 to 30th November 2018. Cannot include an album released in December because for one to have a clear verdict on a project you need a couple of weeks to listen to the album.

In selecting which album is the best, the pillars I look at are:

• How compact is the album, can I just let it play to the end or it forces me to jump to certain singles?? 
• How does it fare compared to the artists previous album and other albums in the same genre and/or music industry as a whole?? 
• The impact of the album: did it push the brand name of the artist further, impressing both the old and winning new fans?? 
• How good is the production, the instrumental arrangements, the vocals, what and how the themes are tackled ??

 So with that out of the way lets get to my top projects of the year;

9. Freeman - Mukuru Wekambani

The dancehall genre is super competitive, one year you can be on top and the next you are forgotten. However despite all that volatility, Freeman has remained impressively consistent, he is always there, always up there among the top guys and you can depend on him to deliver a solid project every time. This year was no different, to top it he delivered the best dancehall project I have listened to this year, his album did not contain chart topping hits such as Winky D's Dzika Ngirozi, or Killer T's Ndamuda but unlike the albums of the aforementioned artists his album is more solid, every track is enjoyable and does not rely on one of two singles. He also stuck to the real dancehall sound, many were complaining that the big guys were changing dancehall to a more pop oriented sound but Freeman showed you can still make dancehall music and also get the respect and applause from the fans. The Dancehall Doctor has over the years positioned himself as that artist you just love regardless of who is on top at that moment, he does not enter into beefs/squabbles, he just does him and many respect that.

8. Tembalami - The Fight

Tembalami is one of if not the best urban gospel artist in the county, his music has a lot of energy and style which makes it very attractive to the younger generation. The urban vibe carries on to the visuals, they are vibrant, colourful and uplifting. On this album he continue with a receipe that has worked for his in the past albums and again it works. The album contains one of my favourite tracks from him Nyasha Dzenyu, its a track that gets me into a prayerful mood everytime, its a powerful and beautiful jam. The production is done very well, partner in crime and legendary producer McDee was at his usual best on the production. Tembalami himself delivered a powerful performances throughout. The album is also solid and managed to maintain Tembalami's brand and image.

7. Jah Prayzah - Chitubu
This was atop the highly expected albums list for many and in a way it did deliver. Personally I felt the album is a step below his last album but as always JP delivers one or two singles that make you forget all the other not inspiring tracks on the album. On this album the superb Dzamutsana is pushing the album higher and improving the overall appeal of the album. As I said on my review there a  couple of tracks that I love, but I cannot stand myself to listen to the whole album, its always a few tracks and that is why the album is not in my top 5. In terms of appeal, this album is an attempt by JP to separate himself from politics and it does a good job in that but that stain will take more time to remove than this album. His appeal had suffered a serious dent locally because of how Kutonga Kwaro became heavily politicized, it a pity that it was one of his best projects but its now his most hated project. Chitubu was a way in the right direction but like I said it will take more to remove the stain.

5. Takura - Relationship Goals 

This is Takura's best project to date, its a compact and well made EP. Loved how he sampled a lot of popular tracks and added his own touch to the songs. The leading single Mai Mwana won over many hearts over the year and won him many fans. The EP is not his usual Hip Hop its an RnB project bt despite of that he nailed it. Its definitely a must listen to project if you love urban music. 

4. Janet Manyowa - Grateful

She has been dominating the gospel charts and circles for 3 years now and that is not stopping anytime soon. Was looking forward to this album a lot and it did not disappoint, the production is superbly done, the singing is beautiful and the album truly makes you Grateful for the favour, grace and love that is shown upon your life. With the album she solidified her position as the best gospel female artist in the country. She also  showed that Gospel artists can also have sold out shows, full of class and fanfare as compared to their secular counterparts. The marketing, branding and promoting team did a fantastic job with this album.

3. Alick Macheso - Dzinosvitsa Kure
The legendary guitarist defied all odds this year, he was being written off by many as a spent force and judging by his last 3 projects, few would have argued otherwise. He however turned up the level on this album reminding everyone why he is such a respected and loved icon. He set aside the unnecessary experimenting and stuck to what he knows best, whilst also utilizing what he has at his disposal to the maximum. He made up with the band members that left him some time back and that  reignited the magic, Noel Nyazanda is the obvious standout with his superb lead guitar skills which are on showcase all over the album. The only missing link was Rhythm guitar maestro Lucky Mumiriki who is still recovering from a stroke, to counter that Macheso did not even try to find a replacement, he put more attention on the bass and lead guitar, a move which paid off greatly. The album only contained 5 tracks which made it very compact and will have you playing it over and over again. In terms of bookings Ba Sharo was always in demand because his countless classics can sustain him till he dies but this album renewed the energy and buzz around his brand, I remember after the album was released, every sungura fan wanted to attend his show the buzz was insane. It was a good move releasing the album days before the official launch concert as witnessed by how he pulled record crowds at the Aquatic Complex, crowds that were last seen 18 years ago at that venue. He knew he had created a gem of an album and he was not afraid to showcase it.

2. ExQ - Tseu Tseu
This album contained so many hits than many knew how to deal with. ExQ outdone himself and delivered his best project to date here. He successfully reinvented his sound into a more afro beat style to an extent where it feels like that has been his style since the beginning. If this list was being compared purely on the figures, no other album would come close to this album and come the awards season (that is if the awards happen) this album would probably contain the most nomination and eventual winners...it really was that popular. This album has pushed ExQ to be the top of the urban musician in the country, it cannot be a happening (urban) joint, festival, event without his music or presence. His brand has grown a lot this year, he has showed his resilience and versatility and the fans have appreciated all of it.

1.  Mbeu & The Mhodzi Tribe - Hatizvimirire 

From the first time I started listening to this project, I knew this was something special. Over the following weeks my first listen I fell more and more in love with the album and can as of now without hesitation say that this is the best project I have listened to in 2018. The guitar work is superbly done, love how he let the instrumental serenade you before the superb vocals kick in, take for example my favourite track Ndione, the instrumental goes on for about 2 mins uninterrupted!!! then the vocals came and put the icing on the already well made cake. The album contains a few tracks which makes it compact and straight to the point. Mbeu addressed various issues on the album and he used the "speak less but say more" method that has worked for many legends over the years. Currently Mbeu is being booked at nearly every big event in town be it concerts, weddings or corporate functions which was not the case at the beginning of the year, his project has won him countless fans, everyone I have met who has listened to this project has been impressed, that just shows the impact the album has had. He has released another bonus album Hatikendenge, will probably review that one next year.

So ya those are my top albums of the year, feel free to comment with your top albums in the comments section. 

Have an awesome festive season, be safe, still need your support this coming year. Be Blessed.

Proud_Zimbo