Andy Muridzo - Chakanyuka Album Review

Andy Muridzo has had an eventful career, filled with highs and lows, dramas at some point seemed to follow him everywhere and one would have predicted the end of his career, but he has held on. He however could have been way bigger that he is now if he had a strong team around him keeping him grounded and disciplined. There is a lot many say about Andy but one thing most cannot deny is the talent he possesses, he has some amazing vocals and when he gets serious he can deliver something special. He is one artist that frustrates me because more often than not he fails to meet expectations and somehow I keep expecting a lot of Andy. What he did on Nhekwe will forever ensure he has a spot in my playlists.

Over his music career its been a hit and miss when it comes to releases. He has been good on several singles but when it comes to whole bodies of work like and album its been mostly misses. Will this new one change that??, we'll see. Another issue with Andy is sometimes he feels like he is all over, this applies to his music and brand. Yes he pushes more our Culture and Traditions but sometimes he feels a bit conflicted and that affects his overall brand. So going into this album one will be wondering what is Andy going to do this time around.

Have managed to listen to the album and today will be sharing my views and thoughts on the album.

1. Ngozi Chirema

Ngozi a vengeful spirit that falls upon family bloodline in the event that one person commits murder or was the reason for someone taking their own life and refuses to take responsibility of their role in the death. That spirit is relentless and the only way to overcome it is to approach the family of the deceased and pay your dues otherwise serious misfortunes will befall your bloodline. Andy is saying when know of such spirit in your family, do all that is needed to fulfill the demanded retribution otherwise it will make you family its playground. The production is good, Andy was solid on the vocals. 

2. Famba Kwakachena

This track is about urging people to make smart use of time, energy and opportunity. Dark days will come so one must always be smart to do what needs to be done when before the sun sets. The arrangement of this track is superb, its flows so well. Get guidance from your ancestors and always be steps ahead, do this before the darker times begin. The production is good, the arrangement of this track is spot on. Andy's solid vocal performance and the guitar deliver a beautiful fusion, its one of those track you can listen to over and over. 

3. Zororo feat Lingo

On this track they are crying for peace, true peace that comes from the creator. Its said only the saints get to be at peace in the afterlife so Andy wants to be part of those who will experience peace. The track is well produced, Cymplex did a good job. Andy was solid on the vocals and Lingo was also up to the task. 

4. Chigutiro

Andy on this track is asking the ancestors to chase away all the evil spirits and curses that are on his path. He is following in the footsteps of the ancestors in the hope he gets deliverance and guidance on his journey of life. 

5. Nhendeshure

Success attracts many attacks and sometimes those unleashing the attacks fail to get to you so they go for those you hold dear just to make you suffer. On this track the attacks are now aimed at his mother, trying to destroy the one that gave birth to the child that has given them problems. Andy however gives thanks to his ancestors for they have watched over him and despite all the attacks he is still standing. 

6. Muchaneta

Andy is flaunting his lady, pledging his love and promising to fight for his relationship. He is saying we are going to enjoy our relationship till all the naysayers get tired and leave us alone. This is a track one sing when one finally gets the woman of their dreams.

7. Chakanyuka

Its most always those who are jealous that look for fights with those who are smart and talented. As an artist who has been in the limelight there have been many that have worked so hard to take Andy down but he is defiant, staking his claim saying despite your jealousies I am here to stay. 

8. Hatitambire Ikoko

On this track Andy is saying know your boundaries and limitations, every area has its natives, every place has its leaders you cannot rule everywhere, know your place, know where you reside, where you excel. This can apply even talent wise, you cannot be talented in everything, find out where your major strengths are and concentrate on that. Hopefully Andy also applies this message to his career, sticking to a sound that brings the best out of him. 

9. Siyojola

Andy slows it down and adds some serenading saxophone work on this romantic jam. Its a track you sing when you have found that person you feel is right for you, you just feel it will be sweet of the two of you date. The production is done well, its smooth and mellow. Andy delivered on the vocals. 

10. Regina

This track is dedicated to Regina, the lady that Andy has selected to be his lifetime partner, the one that he is not afraid to show off to the world, he is begging her to not break his heart. 

So ya that's it for Andy Muridzo's latest album Chakanyuka and I have to say its an okay album. It sounds more like his past projects, there doesn't seem to be any evolution on his music and sound. 

The overall production standard is good. The track arrangements is where more needs to be done, the arrangements are mostly average, have enjoyed arrangements on certain tracks such as Siyojola, Famba Kwakachema, Zororo than on the other tracks. If you have been following Andy for some time, most tracks will feel right at home, there is very little to separate these new tracks from the many previous ones. There is need for evolution in his sound, I do not mean an complete overhaul but buy now there should have been a few additions to his sound, like for example adding another instrument (mbira, brass, sub rhythm guitar...etc) or a different way of structuring the bridge or something to show some growth. 

Vocally Andy Muridzo is talented and it the best aspect of this project, his vocal performance is strong, they take your attention. Lingo did a solid job on their collaboration. 

Andy is all about celebrating and showcasing our beautiful Zimbabwean tradition and culture and he continues on that tip on this album, he is unapologetically Zimbabwean in his music and I respect that  lot about him. He also sprinkled some love songs in there for balance. 

To conclude this review Andy needs to evolve more, the level he showed on Nhekwe is the standard he should be operating on more frequently. He should push to be more than just good vocals, he needs to improve his all round approach to music and add more to his brand. He needs to invest more and work with a wider array of producers to expand his sound, these ones he has been working with for years are keeping him on one level. 

My Overall Rating: 5.8/10

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

Proud_Zimbo