Baba Harare - Zimbabwean Giant Album Review

Father Harare has been on a steady rise over the years. The decision to concentrate on Jiti has been a excellent one, its a genre that many love but few artists dare to do. Most who have done some form of Jiti have had successes with their singles so it was surprising that many still shunned the genre despite the clear demand for it. Then came Baba Harare and look how he has captured the hearts of many since he left Jah Prayzah's band to go solo.

He has had many huge hits but album wise he was still lacking. Yes on the albums there could be one or two hits but all the other tracks you would gladly forget. Will that change with this album??

Have to admit the project release was well planned this time around, the rollout was superbly done, Baba Harare now has a proper team around him. Was greatly impressed with the many quality videos that have been released so far, rolling out the tracks with visuals was a move which I greatly enjoyed. Now to the main thing, has Baba Harare finally made a project which you can enjoy in its entirety and not just listen to one or two songs??!!. After many listens today will be sharing my views and thoughts on the project.

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

1. Wandirwadzisa Moyo

On the first track we get the Jiti we all love, its very well executed, the guitar work is solid, keyboard work is good. Baba Harare delivered his signature performance on the vocals. The track is social commentary at its best, its not filled with sexual innuendos like his previous Jiti hits, he manages to tackle a serious issue in a way that is easily digestible. On this track a wife is complaining about his husband, whom she at first thought was send from God but he has proven to be abusive, unappreciative and a headache to her, she has done all she could for him but he does appreciate. This is a song many women will relate to, being abused and not appreciated but the person you once thought was a heavenly blessing.

2. Ndauya (ft Freeman & DanLu)

Father Salisbury teams up with the HKD boss Freeman and DanLu on this track where they are saying; I'm now here my love, worry no more, loosen up and enjoy. The production is again well done. The track however feels like a Freeman track rather than Baba Harare's, this track would have not felt out of place in Freeman's recent album David & Goliath.

3. Madhunamutuna

Baba Harare on this jam is so much in love with her lady and wants to pay lobola but come Introduction day to the girl's family, the future father in law says no to him. He is then saying what you have done father in law is shocking, you have broken my heart, I wanted to be with your daughter for life why have you done so. The production is superbly done, the arrangement is spot on. Baba Harare was also superb on the vocals, he delivered the emotional range that was required of such a theme, you get to feel his pain.

4. Munotichengeta (ft Munyaradzi Munodawafa)

On this track Baba Harare is thanking the Lord for watching over him despite many wishing for his downfall. This was not a collaboration I would have expected but it worked. The two managed to blend quite well. The production is good.

5. Haubvire (ft Jah Prayzah) 

This track has all the ingredients to be a runaway hit; firstly teaming up with Jah Prayzah is enough to get the attention of many but the track is also catchy and well written. On this track Baba Harare is asking the big brother Jah Prayzah about relationship advice on what to do about Noma, JP offers some sound advice but also warns him on his insatiable appetite for women. The track is well produced, the Amapiano elements were well integrated onto the instrumental. Both artist's delivered, Baba Harare was very good, JP delivered his usual signature style which has made him the biggest artist in Zim. Love the last verse from Baba Harare where he takes lines from JP's previous hits. 

6. Akanaka

Father Harare goes back to Jiti on this track where he is praising how beautiful his lady is and is confessing how he has fallen deep in love with her. Was wondering how producer Nyasha Timbe would fare at Jiti and for someone who usually does R&B this was impressive plus he also had the assistance of Maselo on the production. 

7. Poto Inopisa (ft Mai Tt)

Baba Harare teams up again with socialite Mai Tt on this track where they are saying stay away from my partner I will fight you, likening it to touching a hot pot, it will only end bad for you. The last time the two teamed was on the hit Rita and they have done it again here. The two have good chemistry. The production is well done. 

8. Terera (ft Blot)

Baba Harare and Blot team up for this hilarious and catchy track. They took advantage of a popular chorus that millions know and put a comic twist on the words. They are saying my lady listen to the laws of your man. The production is a fusion of Dancehall and traditional sounds. Baba Harare was good on the vocals, Blot was super hilarious on this track, sounded like the late legend Soul Jah Love on most parts, that will make many love his verses more.

9. Wanditenderedza Pfungwa (ft ExQ)

Baba Harare teams up with Mr Putiti on this crazy in love jam. They are saying you are the one making me go crazy. The production as is the case throughout is done well. Baba Harare was good on the vocals, ExQ was in beast mode as usual delivering a solid performance with his usual ease and coolness.

Stream the album: Zimbabwean Giant on YouTube

So ya thats it for Zimbabwean Giant by Baba Harare and I have to say we finally have a solid offering from the man. This is by far his best project to date.

The production is superbly done, the shake up of producers has helped the album become more diverse. Could have never predicted Nyasha Timbe to be a producer on a Baba Harare project. Nyasha added a soothing flavour to the project, the track Madhunamutuna is an example of that, it brought out the emotional side I did not expect from Baba Harare. All the producers did a good job, and the the combo of Rayo Beats & Nyasha Timbe did a solid job on the mixing and mastering.

The main theme tackled is about love and relationships and its tackled well. On the vocals Baba Harare was solid throughout, the most impressive coming on Madhunamutuna. All the artists he chose to collaborate with on this project put up solid performance, the two best coming from JP & ExQ.

To end this review I have to admit I enjoyed listening to this project a lot. Baba Harare has finally taken hold of the capital, expect this album to be on high rotation all over Harare. This project also signifies a switching point in Baba Harare's career, his image, sound and target market are all going to change. I recommend this project to anyone looking for good music, especially this coming festive season.

My Overall Rating: 8/10

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

Proud_Zimbo