Jah Prayzah - Gwara Album Review

Was a huge fan of Jah Prayzah's last project Hokoyo, loved a lot of tracks from the project and it became my favourite project from the artist. Also as the year ended when I did the Proud Zimbo Music Awards 2020 Hokoyo went on to become my album of the year. 

At the beginning of each year when I compile the ten projects I am looking forward to the most in that year, JP's project was among the ten. So when he announced that a ln album was in the works I was excited and immediately got to listening when it dropped. 

Wanted to see how he was gonna develop his sound from what he did on Hokoyo, whether he was gone better it....??? The album finally dropped and today will be sharing with you my views and thoughts. 

As usual will be a doing a track by track review down below. 

1. Bvumbamira

The dreamy start was a good move, it set the tone for the track very well. JP is crying out unto his ancestors to guide and lead him on the journey of life. This is a prayer many are having in these trying times. Overall production of the track is well done. The flute added a dreamy feel to the track. 

2. Takarashima

JP went full afro here, love the feel of this Jam. Production is well done, it has a different feel as compared to all the other tracks on this project. JP was indeed showcasing his versatility on this project. On this track JP was talking about sowing the seed for a better tomorrow. 

3. Murder

This is a self praise track from JP, where he is saying I am charged with attempted murder due to the irresistible music that I have made. Its quite a catchy track, you will be singing along in no time, the track alao came with some good visuals. JP was playful on the track, we get his comic side throughout the track especially if you watch the visuals.

4. Nyeredzi

JP is singing from a perspective of a guy who is head over heels over this beautiful lady whom he refers to Nyeredzi, a star. He is gathering all his courage to ask her out. The track is well produced, JP went for a slow tempo and it worked, the track is quite serenading.

5. Ndodzungaira

The title will give you a clear idea of the theme, kudzungaira means to lack direction. JP is talking about lacking direction in life and he feels there is a curse on his life. He is now crying unto the ancestors to show him the way. Production is done very well, love the overall feel of the track. 

6. Boi Boi

JP has a way with words, he knows the charm behind Shona words and he utilizes it fully. On this comical track he is singing unto a girl he has loved for some time but was afraid to ask out. He is lost in the prison of love and now wants the lady to just accept her and set him free. Production is as playful as the track, its different from other tracks by JP, am a fan of the production. 

7. Mhaka

This is a beautiful jam, everything about the track is well thought of, well arranged and well made. The theme is spot on, in our tradition one must never insult their mother as that attracts a curse on your life. The vocal arrangement is spot on, JP is back to his superb self, the backing vocals are also at par. Then we come to the instrumental, it's well arranged, love the guitar work on this track the bass and the lead progressions were all executed very well. The Mbira added that grounded feel, its my early favourite on the album. This is what I imagine when people say JP will reach the level of the greats, what a superb track. 

8. Ndichiyamwa

JP again switched up the arrangement on this track. He  was definitely on tip to prove how versatile he can be. On this track he is singing about the love of a mother. One's life can get upside down without mother's love. The feel of this track is on point, quite catchy also. 

9. Gone

On this track JP is saying every person has that one person they respect in their line of duty. Production is done okay, definitely not an arrangement I expected from JP but he managed to pull it off. 

10. Humhandara

On this track is talking to the girl child, he is advising them against taking good care of themselves and not rush into marriage bt one shld take their time. Production is done well, the instrumental is there to just accompany the vocals. 

11. Mbwende

Mbwende means a weakling, and on this track JP was talking about those who make the wrong decision and work for the vain goals in life. Production is well done, the arrangement of the track is well done. JP was solid on the vocals and the backing vocals are equally on par. 

12. Mhondoro

JP switched up the sound to this energetic dubstep vibe, Young Dee did a solid job on the production. If there is ever going to be remix of this song Zyon Black should make it. Despite the change in sound JP was solid, he is indeed versatile as they come, this album is a testament of that. 

13. Chimwe Nechimwe

JP is saying there is a time for everything, there are a lots of things people desire at different periods but we must all know there is a time for everything so do not lose hope, keep working and waiting for your day. Production is done well, the structure of the track is good, taking advantage of a known structure. 

14. Gwara

This lovely dreamy feel seems like a theme for a number of tracks, I'm loving it. Overall production is well done, love the guitar strumming, the mbira and that steady bass. JP was solid on the vocals, on this track he was asking for direction from his ancestors. 

15. Nherera

On this emotional track JP is talking about how family members neglect orphans the day the parents die. They will take all the property and share amongst themselves without leaving some for the children. Those who accept the role of looking after the kids never come to check up on them. This is a situation many have witnessed. Production is good. 

16. Chigaro Cheushe

JP again went back to the Dzamutsana formula for this power struggle track. This formula has worked for him so well, this is probably the fourth track that follows this formula (Dzamutsana, Mwana Wamambo, Sadza Nemuriwo are the other three.), it has been popular that it has even inspired other artists to follow suit. To his defence the formula still works, the track sounds good. On the track he is talking about how many people desire to be on the throne, blood will be spilled as various players all fight to occupy the throne.

Stream The Album : Jah Prayzah Gwara

So  that's it for JP's latest album and I have to say he has delivered. JP is now at that level whereby everything he touches turns to gold, he even sang a song about nothing (Provoka) and it became huge, he is so comfortable in his talent, its such a rare thing witnessing an artist who is so comfortable in his skill. 

This is the boldest and most experimental project from JP, which is a departure from the calculated approach which they took on Hokoyo. This project is filled with various sounds, structures, no three tracks are alike and I that's a winning point of this album. 

Production is superbly done throughout, this year he teamed up with many producers and surprisingly there is DJ Tamuka. Working with diverse producers has made this album the refreshing to listen to.  I have enjoyed all arrangements on this project. 

Vocally JP is at the peak of his powers, Its amazing to hear someone who can go so deep as JP does on tracks such as Bvumbamira, Mhaka, Nherera then also deliver a light comical track such as Boi Boi & Murder. 

JP's command of the mother language is still unmatched, he knows the charm in creating music fully in Shona and the album is full of that charm. His vocal performance is solid throughout the project 

Backing vocals did an outstanding job whenever called upon. The decision to change all the backing vocalists was a good move by JP, the overall sound improved

To conclude this is a solid offering from JP, he definitely refreshed his strategy and sound to create this entertaining project. Last year's album became my favourite project from JP and this one definitely gives it a run for its money. My favourite track is Mhaka, but Bvumbamira is pulling close. 

My Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Proud_Zimbo