ExQ - Rhaka Rhaka Album Review
ExQ has shown some serious consistency over his 20 plus musical career. He is a testament of the importance of evolution in one's career, in the early 2000's during the Urban Grooves Movement Era ExQ was more of a rapper, he was among the big names pushing rap music during the movement, he then started fusing rap with afro beat instrumentals in the 2010's which were his quieter years. Towards the end of the 2010's he then evolved more towards the afro beat, and as the projects dropped he added a lot of soul and jazz elements to his afro beat sound to create this lovely sound he currently does. He is not much of a rapper these days, he prefers to sings more. The evolution over the years has ensured ExQ remains relevant.
Have managed to listen to the album and today will be sharing with you my views and thoughts on the album.
1. Wangu (feat Takura)
The first track is about making ladies realize their worth. They are saying your person should be gentle and caring, they should not be afraid to flaunt you, they should be able to go the extra mile for you. A relationship is sweet when your partner has your back. The track is well made, the collaboration between the two works well. I am hearing some Akon's Smack That sampling in the vocals.
2. PaSide (feat Roki)
These two have always made magic from the Ndichakuteera days and thy carried over that chemistry onto this new jam. The Icons are saying there lets keep our affection between the two of us, I don't want anyone coming in between us, you are the only one who should be besides me. Roki cleverly samples Simon Chimbetu's iconic vocals from Dzandipedza Mafuta on the last part of the song. The track is well made.
3. Sweet Danana (feat Dj Tamuka)
Love is beautiful when both partners are not shy to showcase their love to the whole world. Most relationships feel like secret affairs, so when you see those who are free enjoying each other's company without worrying about who is watching its so sweet. The track arrangement is very good, enjoyed the Diwali Riddim infusion, DJ Tamuka snapped on the production of this one.
4. Nyachide (feat Skido)
This track is dedicated to the one who is dearly loved, that is what the title translates to. This track is dedicated to those who have found people who fulfill them, that person who makes you complete. The track is well made, Skido delivered a very good performance sweet and soulful which complemented the cool nature of ExQ's style very well.
5. Maggie (feat Killer T)
These two are proving they still have serious chemistry, this latest collaboration is proving Nhema was not a fluke they actually work well together. This track is dedicated to Maggie, that special person in you life, that lady whom you are willing to stand by despite what other may say about your person and relationship, its about professing your love to you other half in the face of pressures and comments. ExQ took inspiration from Leonard Dembo's Wapindwa Nei on the bridge.
6. Catch and Release (feat Feli Nandi)
This track is about appreciating your partner for how wonderful they are especially in this challenging Mjolo era, where relationships don't last, its all about one getting what they want and they leave. Its a track one sings when they have finally found their perfect match, one who makes your life worthwhile. The track is well arranged, its well made. The collaboration between the two works well.
7. Urisei
Mr Putiti is throwing shade at his ex partners saying thanks to your constant need for arguments made the relationship stressful but after you I have found someone who is good at love and the contrast has made the new relationship all the sweeter. The track is again well made, ExQ delivered a solid vocal performance.
8. Diwawo
Already did a review check : ChiHatrick EP Review
9. Awe (feat Delroy Shewe)
Already did a review check : ChiHatrick EP Review
10. Ndiperekedze
ExQ is saying I want you on this journey of life, open up your heart to me and I will make you my life partner. The track is produced well, ExQ is solid on the vocals. Catchy and easy to follow as usual.
11. Hatichacheme
He left the love topic for this self care jam. ExQ is urging people to find peace, its good to do what your heart desires sometimes rather than chase people, relationships and things that are giving you unnecessary stress. The track is well made.
12. Healer (feat Nutty O)
The two Mashroom Media guys team up on this track about healing from heartbreaks. They are highlighting the pain one feels when the person they loved breaks their heart. The track is also well made, the collaboration between the two works very well.
13. Chiri Mumari (feat Nisha Ts)
The Mamoyo sample sets the tone for this track, the overall production is well done. The track fuses takes inspiration from various songs very well. You also get some Mtukudzi's Chirimundari. The track is about the freedom one gets when the finances are in order, life is better with money, even relationships and food gets better when you are not worried about finances. The collaboration between the two works well.
14. Deya (feat Alvin New Guy)
Already did a review check : ChiHatrick EP Review
15. Ida Ini
The last track is ExQ convincing the lady he likes that he values and will treat her better that with the guys she is with. He will not disappear on her, he will not talk bad to her like what her current guy does. The track is produced well.
So ya that's it for ExQ's latest offering Rhaka Rhaka and if you have been following him for some time its just as you predicted, its good but does not wow you.
The production is well done, the Mashroom Media team (ExQ, Nutty O & Dj Tamuka) knows how to make solid high quality music. The tracks follow a sound we have became familiar with from Mr Putiti. The most impressive aspect of this album is the expert use of samples, several tracks take inspiration from different Zim classics and its done on ways which are not plainly obvious. The way Roki sampled Choppers Dzandipedza Mafuta on PaSide is spot on. I am a huge fan of giving new life and dimensions to old classics, so was impressed seeing that happen on this album. The beat making and track arrangements are well made on this album. This is the benefit of having a team that understands you strengths and vision.
One thing you expect going into an ExQ project is some solid collaborations and he has plenty on this album. Each collaboration is well selected, there is chemistry between ExQ and each artist who was selected. My favorite collaboration is with Skido on Nyachide. The central subject matter of the album is love, its a project for the lovers and those in the midst of some relationship issues. ExQ delivered his signature performance throughout the project.
To end this review I have to say this is another good project from ExQ, it has all the elements that one expects from an ExQ album, sonically its on point. It however does not wow you, its following formula that he has been using for the past two albums so if you overdid the last two albums this wont feel that new, more like an extension of those albums. It may be time for some more innovation on the part of ExQ and team. This is probably the side effect of the consistency ExQ has shown over the past three releases, we keep expecting the artist to surpass their previous project. Despite that this is still a good project one you can let play and enjoy.
My Overall Rating: 7/10
For those who have managed to listen to the album feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
Proud Zimbo
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