Mwenje Mathole - Svingobhgwe EP Review

Mwenje Mathole has that refreshing voice that will captivate you from the moment you first listen to his music. He has his unique interpretation of music that is beautiful and requires you to really get deep and lost in the music. These attributes have made several artists want to work with the him, he brings that different flavour. Tracks such as Paye, Ndizvo Here, Kuhope all give testiment to this.

Mwenje is for those people who are musically adventurous, he makes music in different forms and does not confirm to one specific genre. Even when he does a certain genre he always spices it up, you never know what's in store for you.

He has now finally released the EP that I had been waiting for, failed to attend the launch but rushed to get  my copy and after a week of listening will be sharing my views and thoughts.

As usual will be doing a track by track review and share my overall thoughts as I conclude. 

1. Shasha

A gospel track done the Mwenje way, it speaks about a popular verse which many hope and live by. But Mwenje went a different way on the arrangement of the vocals, the layout is morden and refreshing. The production is also solid, the instrumental arrangement compliments the vocals very well. 

2. Zama Ndichiedza

Mwenje is saying I am trying and will keep on trying. When you see me stumble don't let me fall down but help me out. The production is solid, the arrangement is solid also, love the uptempo vibe. The overall vibe of the track is on point. 

3. Hotye Kotye

On this track Mwenje is preaching about unity among Africans. He is urging Africans to be proud of our appearance, language and unique features. He is also urging Africans to prioritize themselves, there is no need to pressure our youth to know more about European history more than our own history. The production is solid, the track is well arranged both on the instrumental and vocals

4. Wanyamalala

This track is Mwenje's version of the classic joyous gospel song Mutoro Wezvivi Zvangu or Calvary. He gave it a soulful amapiano  arrangement and it came out very well. The production is done well. 

5. Places

On the last track on the EP Mwenje decided to deliver a love jam. He is saying loving you has taking me to places I have never been. The production is done well, the track has some country elements sprinkled all over which helps give it that serenading feel.

Stream the album: Svingobhgwe on YouTube

So ya that's it for Svingobhgwe, it's an interesting project to listen to.

The production is done well, the tracks are well arranged and as I expected no track sounds the same as the other. Mwenje sprinkled different attributes into his sound, we get a lot of country elements on tracks such as Places and Zama Ndichiyedza, he also switched to Amapiano on Wanyamalala.

On the themes the album is more of a motivational and gospel project. Given the artwork and how Svingobhgwe means a place of rest and refuge that was used by our Ancestors I expected the album to speak more about our African Tradition, was quite dissapoint that there are no such tracks. Hotye Kotye may fit that topic if we looking for the closest, it talks about being proud of being African. Safeguarding our language, teaching out young about our history and showing them how they are beautiful as they are. On the gospel tip we get tracks such as Wanyamalala and Shasha. On Zama Ndichiyedza he was motivating others to keep trying. And he gave us a love track on Places, he was passionate same as he was on Paye, its not of e same calibre but good nonetheless.

Mwenje delivered his signature vocal performance throughout. His vocals and choice of words all add to his unique personality and sound.

To wrap the review up the project is respectable. Mwenje continues to carve his own space in the music industry and he is moving in the right direction. If you're looking for something a bit different to add to your playlist this album will provide those tracks. I recommend it.

My overall rating: 7/10

Feel free to share your thoughts on the album in the comments section below.

Proud_Zimbo.