Ishan - Bundu Pop Sounds From The Jungle Album Review

Ishan introduced himself to the Zim masses wit the hit jam Kure featuring Ti Gonzi. The track dominated the airwaves and won over the hearts of many. He then followed that up with the remix for Kure which I enjoyed but received mixed reviews and the underated jam Shore. Given the success of Kure many questioned whether he was gonna sustain the hype or create another jam as good as Kure. With Kure Ishan brought a refreshing clean sound and will be interested to see whether he will carry on with that sound. 

Leading up to this album he released the jam Maidei/Peanut Butter, a track which I enjoy, and which many people are loving. As we got nearer to the album launch he then released another solid jam December featuring veteran rapper Gze, which is getting a lot of love and rotation on all urban radio stations. These two tracks also came with some solid visuals and both have that clean sound that Ishan is now known for. 

So got my copy of the album, got to listening and today will be sharing with you my thoughts on the project.

As usual will be doing a track by track review:

1. Mhanya

On the first track Ishan tackles the issue of ignorance, deceit and hate in today's society. He is saying there is no longer empathy in this world, its now cruel. He is urging people to open their eyes and see how lost we have got. 

2. Mughetto

The Hondo Yeminda sampling was a solid decision, it gave the track character and an immediate identity. It got my attention and it applies perfectly to the overall theme of the track. This nation has been through a lot, we still going through a lot and Ishan is strengthening Zimbos urging others that sometimes you got to do what you gotta do to make ends meet. He narrates his journey, especially through the insane n painful 2008 period. Production is done well, arrangement of both vocals and instrumentals is solid. 

3. One Call Away (feat Gemma Griffiths)

Ishan teamed up with Gemma on this super lovely Jam. The two artists managed to blend their styles to deliver this super super sweet jam. Vocally the two complemented each other superbly well, the track just flows perfectly. Production is well done, the cube is definitely correct on this one. 

4. Ukandisiya

This is afro pop at its finest from Ishan. Just love about everything of this track, the production, vocals, vibe, all are on point. It's that track that you should dedicate to your other half to show them how awful you will be without them. 

5. Mrs Ril Bad (feat Tamy Moyo)

They went for an uptempo bouncy old skool feel for this track. The track has a feel Good vibe and the production is superbly done. The arrangement of both the vocals and instrumental is well done. Ishan and Tamy have a solid chemistry, their vocals and styles complement each other very well. Tamy shines on these types of arrangements and she nailed it on this one, Ishan was composed & on point as usual. Was singing along to the track by the time the track ended 

6. Maidei Peanut Butter

This is the first track Ishan released this year and its sets the mood perfectly for the sound pushed by this project. Ishan showcased his creativity on this track, from the title to the lyrics and the overall layout of the jam. His clean vocals did justice to this jam. Love everything about this jam. It also came with some good visuals. 

7. Feelings feat (Nutty O) 

When two exciting young artists meet up one expects fireworks and the two artists delivered on the jam. Production is well done, love the techy dubstep instrumental. Ishan was solid again on the vocals, Nutty O as he has been doing all year killed it, he is as versatile as they come. 

8. December (feat Gze)

This came just in time for December and also given how the lockdown barred many from travelling the track relates with a lot of people on many ways. Many miss home, the feeling, the scent of home, the people. The production is also done well, the instrumentals are arranged well. Ishan was on point on the vocals, Gze delivered his signature flow, sitting on the beat very well. 

9. Feelings (Club Edit) (feat Nutty O)

This track is the club version of track 7. On this track they rearranged the instrumental into a relatable format, which can easily fit into many club playlist. 

Stream the album: Ishan Ril Baaad YouTube

So that's it for Ishan's debut album and I have to say the young lad nailed it. This is such a wonderful project to listen to, afro pop at its finest. 

The production is superbly done throughout, love the arrangements on all the tracks. You get the feeling that the instrumentals were carefully chosen, all tracks are on point. The tracks are clean, they really managed to nail a good balance between the vocals and instrumentals. Overall vibe of the project its on point, it's awesome how he carries on the refreshing sound & vibe on Kure onto this entire project. 

The themes are also well tackled, he addressed some social issues on the first two jams and the rest are love/relationship tracks. 

Vocally Ishan nailed it, his vocals are clean, composed. It's rare to have an artist who sounds this composed on their debut project. Loved how he also took inspiration from some classic jams from the past. The choice of collaborations was also spot on, each of the 4 featured artists (Gze, Gemma, Tammy & Nutty O) all feels like they deserved to be there, it dsnt feel like collaborations where one wants to benefit from the other's popularity. Its crazy that one project contains collaborations soo gud that they can all compete for Collabo of the year. 

Listening to this project left me fulfilled, its  a collection of 9 carefully chosen tracks, that are well produced and showcase the best of what to expect from Ishan. To conclude, this is a fantastic project from Ishan, I definitely recommend it. Before this project Jah Prayzah's Hokoyo was the runaway best project of the year, this project has changed all that, it gives Hokoyo a run for its money. Will see which project gets to win it at e end of the year when I do the Proud Zimbo Awards.

My Overall Rating : 9/10

Feel free to share your thoughts on the album.

Proud_Zimbo.