Bryan Kadengu - Bibo Worldwide Album Review

This year has been a difficult and different year for all of us, the never ending lockdown has created challenges which many have never imagined. It has in other ways afforded many the chance to relook at their lives and make necessary changes. To artists this lockdown has given them a quiet period in which they can explore their artistry to the fullest with the minimal of distractions.

Bryan K seems to be one of those artists who has used this time to push his art. He has recently released his Bibo Worldwide album which I have managed to stream and today will be sharing with you my thoughts. 

Given the title of the album you can clearly see that Bryan K has set his sights on the international market, I have taken the Worldwide to mean his music should be diverse and appeal to many people across the globe. Whether he has managed to see that we'll see at the end of the review. 

As usual will be doing a track by track review. The album was released in two phases, Side A which has the first 8 tracks and then side B which has 9 tracks, but on this review am combining them both. 

Side A. 

1. Dzimbahwe

The opening track fills you with nostalgia and pride, its takes you back to the days when Zim was proper, when all was in order. Its a track that is aimed at giving hope to many Zimbos at this trying time. The production is done superbly well, the vocals take center stage and Bryan K was on point on the vocals. 

2. Hlanganani

Bibo is preaching the gospel of unity and togetherness on this track. We can not build our nation or continent without unity. The production is done well, I'm however not a fan of the vocal arrangement especially on the hook. It's one of the very few tracks I keep on skipping on the project. 

3. Shaina

Bryan K continues giving hope on this very beautiful jam. He is urging people not to lose hope, he is saying the Lord is with you so don't spend much time concentrating  on your failures but get back up and shine like the sun. The mood of this track is on point, love love the backing vocals here, they complemented the on point instrumental perfectly to deliver an emotionally stirring track. 

4. Simudza Musoro (feat Crooger)

Bryan K teamed up with Crooger again as they try to create some more magic as they did on Tungamirai. The track has a similar feel to Tungamirai, this one however has more prominent guitar work which gives a jazzy feel to the track. 

5. Kure Kure

One thing that made me fall in love with Bibo's music is the awesome guitar work and the guitar work on this track is one of his best, the solos are beautiful. The vocals are superb but I repeat that guitar yuwiii "kiribaaaa".... Applause to you Bryan. 

6. Hupenyu

On this track Bryan K continues with the uplifting, motivational theme which dominates Side A. He is acknowledging that life is hard for many right now, but one should not give up. They should ask those who have done it for advice and continue fighting. The production is done well, love the guitar work, it's sublime. Bryan K again was on point on the vocals. 

7. Ita (feat Jnr Brown & Nutty O)

Bryan K teamed up with Jnr Brown on this track to urge Zimbos to not concentrate on others too much but walk in your own lane, do you for we all live different lives. Enjoyed the chorus, Bryan K was on point, Nutty O was also good, Jnr Brown was lacking for me. Despite the superb hook I found myself skipping this track quite a lot. 

8. Kuchena

The last track of Side A is a beautiful uptempo track that is well produced. The vibe of this track is on point, love the instrumental arrangement here. On this track Bryan K is urging people to work hard for what they want and not just envy what others have because some of the wealth is not clean. The vocal performance by Bryan K is superb as is e case throughout this project. 

Side B

9. African Woman

The first track on side B signals a distinct change in sound and mood from Side A. This is the lovers side. Tracks sounds beautiful, Bryan K was in his zone on this jam. Our African Women truly deserve to be praised and this is fitting song for such needed praise. 

10. Chete

This jam goes deeeeep, it strikes all the right chords. The production is sublime, the vocals are superb. This jam ignites that romantic fire in a big big way. The theme is spot on and Bibo was sublime of the vocals. This is one of those tracks where the vibe, rhythm and mood perfectly fuse together. 

11. Killing Me Softly (feat Nutty O) 

On this jam Bibo teamed up with talented and versatile dancehall artist Nutty O to deliver this catchy jam. The energies of both artists blended well, they both delivered solid performances. The production is superbly done. 

12. Energy (feat Tamy Moyo)

On this jam Bryan teamed up with pop queen Tamy Moyo and they delivered a solid jam. That first verse and hook from Bryan K is near perfection, the vocal mastery is superb. Tamy delivered a good performance but was overshadowed here Bryan K was too on point. The production is well done, love the arrangement of both the instruments and vocals. 

13. Pandiri (feat Anita Jaxson)

On this lovely track Bryan teamed up with rising dancehall artists Anita Jaxson. The collaborations works, the two artists complement each other quite well and they all delivered solid vocal performances . The production is done well, love the dreamy laid back vibe of the track. 

14. On My Mind (feat Mo-T) 

On this jam Bibo teamed up with Micasa's Mo-T and they delivered a superb jam. Mo-T is known for his saxophone and production talents which he delivered on this jam. The vibe is on point with this jam, overall production is well done. 

15. Wakanda Loving (feat Simba Tagz) 

Bibo teamed up producer and rapper Simba Tagz on this feel good jam. The track has a lovely vibe, the production is done well. The two artists managed to blend well together. 

16. Number One

Bibo went for an uptempo R&B vibe on this track. Overall production is done well, the vocals are good. On the track he is reassuring his lady that she is his number one, she shouldn't worry about anything. 

17. Good Vibes

This feel good interlude is on point . It's Bibo showcasing his talent off, he is saying I only give out good energy. 

Stream the album: Bibo Worldwide  

So ya that's it for the Bibo Worldwide album. I have enjoyed listening to this project. The production is well done. Its definitely an improvement from his past album. 

The album is split into two for a good reason, both sides deal with different themes. Side A aims at giving people hope that things will be better, it aims to uplift people to work for the life they want. This side is made with 2020 in mind, this has been an unprecedented year which has left many drowning in stress and Bryan K made this side to help people overcome the stress and look forward to a brighter future.  

Side B is lovers paradise, Bryan K returned to his home turf and he was on point throughout. This is the better side, can listen to all the tracks without skipping any track. Loved all the collaborations on this side of the album. 

The production is done well, loved how Bryan K incorporated the awesome guitar work that I love about him into the tracks. Despite going for a modern sound he added his signature soulful vibe to all of the tracks. The instrumental arrangements are quite diverse which make the listening experience more fufiling. He definitely tried to take care of everyone on this album, and he did so without compromising his signature vibe. 

The vocal performance from Bryan K is superb throughout. I believe he has has now entered his prime in terms of vocals, his vocal control is superb, the vocals range is also on point. The collaborations were well selected for the most part, especially those on Side B. Nutty O is as versatile as they come and was on point. Anita Jaxson was superb, Mo-T was on point, Tamy was okay, Jnr Brown was okay.

To end this all this is a superb body of work. Was very impressed with the project, the only two tracks I find myself skipping quite often are Hlanganani and Ita but all the other ones I can let them play the whole day. 

Bibo really took time to craft his sound and it's evident on this project. It definitely has a wide appeal and fans of different genres can actually enjoy the project. I recommend this album to anyone who is looking for something good to listen to. 

My overall rating : 7.25/10

So what are your thoughts on the album??? 

Proud_Zimbo