Mark Ngwazi & Njanja Express - Nharo Nezvine Nharo Album Review

Of all the Sungura albums that were promised this year this was the one I was anticipating the most. Was hugely impressed by Mark's last project Chamugwegwedu Chamatindike and was very much waiting to see how he was gonna follow that up. 

The release date was also interesting, two weeks after Baba Sharo releases!! In most cases the lesser artist in terms of brand releases first to give their project a chance at being listened to before the big star releases but Mark stuck with his date. That alone showed the bravery and confidence he had in his project. The question then was, will the album match the hype and obviously how will it fare compared to Macheso's. 

When the album dropped I rushed to get my copy and got to listening. Today will be sharing my views and thoughts on the album. 

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

1. Gokwe

Mark on this track is dismissing the fact that certain places make one dumb, he is saying you can make it from anywhere as long as your mindset is correct. If you do not change your mindset even if you emigrate to a developed nation you will amount to nothing. He starts the track by dismissing the "popular social media" notion that people from Gokwe and Masvingo are backward. Production is well done, arrangement is solid. Mark is good with words and they make this song worthwhile. 

2. Doro

On this track Mark is saying I truly want to be a good Christian but his love for alcohol stops his progress, it makes him clash with church representatives. He also goes on to highlight the double lives many of the so called "Christians" lead, they preach order and being principled but do not practice those things themselves. The wordplay as one expects from Mark is solid. Production is solid, arrangement is good. 

3. Nyaradzo Yababa

This is the leading track from the album. It's a touching song that will resonate with many opharns all over. The pengame from Mark is top notch in this jam. The most iconic part of the track is when that orphan who was abused growing up has finally made it in life and is now asking how they can please their late parents. They didn't have a chance to pamper and spoil them so they now want to do something special for them. The production is solid, the guitar work is well done, Gogo did a solid job on the lead. Mark delivered his signature sound on the vocals. 

4. Shamwari

On this track Mark is singing about the popular advice of how the friends you chose determine how your life would turn out, good friends will take you far and fake friends will only bring you regret. The track is well made, guitar work is solid but as usual the vocals make the track special. 

5. Upenyu

Mark is advising his children that in life one needs to be street smart and not only book smart. One needs to accept that sometimes life is unfair and painful. You don't have to comment on everything, learn your boundaries and keep them. As usual the production is well done, arrangement is also good, enjoyed the guitar work. 

6. Vakadzi

On this track Mark is urging men not to opress their wives, stopping them from having a career because of their irrational fears. Wives need to have their own source of income, they should not ask the husband for everything. Its also beneficial to the whole family when the wife is working, the burden will be lessened on the husband. The track is well made and arranged.

7. Zvipo

Mark on this track is saying we are blessed with different gifts and knowing your gift is important as it will make life easier and more fulfilling. Success does not come from one's gift itself, but from the person being aware of it and making good proper use of it. He is crying unto the Lord asking him to show each and everyone his/her gift so they can work on it and benefit from it. The track is well produced, the arrangement is well done my favourite of the whole album. 

Stream the album: Nharo Nezvine Nharo

So ya that's it for Nharo Nezvinenharo and I have to say Mark delivered. He carries on with the hot streak he has been on for the past years.

The production is quite good, not the utmost top level like Kujatajata but it's good. There is still some work that needs to be done in the production, especially the mastering department department. The tracks are however well arranged, Mark has found his sound and he is shining. Some tracks remind me of the old Macheso, but well Macheso rewrote the whole Sungura handbook so taking inspiration from him is to be expected. Also teaming up with veteran guitarist Donald Gogo (who once worked with Macheso) has helped his sound, the guitar work is good throughout. My favourite arrangement of the whole album as of now is on the track Zvipo, the repetitive lead and rhythm guitar loops really make the track reach deeper.

The vocals are what makes Mark's music unique. He has his own signature style which is so refreshing and good. His pengame is too notch, the guy can write captivating lyrics. All the tracks are entertaining, captivating and moving at the same time. He knows how to get the listener hooked, he takes you on a journey where he tackles important issues with a spice of humor. This is a strong attribute of his.

On the themes Mark tackled many social issues which many can relate to. He offers sound advice without appearing obnoxious and that makes his music hit deep without pressuring you.

To wrap up this review I have to say this is a solid album which I have enjoyed listening to. I do not feel its better than Chamugwegwedu Chamatindike but it quite close and coming from that project you won't be dissapointed. The production is not at the highest level but good nonetheless. The vocals and lyrics are top top notch. This as of now is the best Sungura project out there. I  recommend this project.

My overall rating: 7.5/10

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

Proud_Zimbo