After several weeks of relative silence, the self proclaimed leader of Zim HipHop, Holy Ten, has returned with a new project titledMusoro weNzou. It is 10-track album that feels like less a comeback but a recalibration.
This release follows the mysterious no show of a previously announced album (Zvaiwana Ngwarati), which Holy ultimately shelved for reasons only known to him. That moment, coupled with the media drama he’s become synonymous with for over the past year or so, cast a slight shadow on his momentum. And Musoro weNzou is his bold, unapologetic statement that he is one of Zimbabwe’s artists that can’t be written off easily like that. He seems to revel in this truism, but this time around he does so with a bit of humility.
The album opens on a reaffirming spiritual note withNdikanamatawhich features the amazing Feli Nandi. “Ndikanamata ndoenda mberi” (if I pray, I will move forward) adequately captures the unwavering belief in divine guidance, and Feli Nandi’s lush vocals breathe life into the percussion-laden track. It’s introspective and hopeful, resembling a more grounded Holy Ten.
Bhundu Prefectsfollows, and this isn’t just a banger for the sake of vibes. It tells a story. Or rather, stories. The kind you hear whispered in alleys, passed between school gates, or folded in the corners of broken down kombis. Holy Ten explicates unfiltered tales of Zimbabwean street life: the allure of fast money, the creeping grip of addiction, the chaos of lust and the escapism that comes with getting high just to feel something.
A softer Holy Ten emerges on the trackPersonalfeaturing Nyasha David. Love drenched lyrics like “Wandibata zviri personal. Ndichakutsvagira ka dress ufare” show a man enamored and in a giving mood. Nyasha David, as always, comes through with flawless vocals that elevate the entire track. One of the more melodic moments on the project.
Mugomo, which features Jake Miles, is thematically an extension of Ndikanamata; filled with easy-to-follow melodies and infused with all the elements of a smash hit. “Situation yangu ndichaikwirira mugomo” (my situation requires I go to the mountain and pray) feels like Holy’s way of saying he’s climbing out of the pit, slow and steady. Essentially, Holy Ten gets out of his rut in this exposition. And Jack Miles adds some much-needed flavour here.
Pengai Mudzokefeels like it was tailor made for Bling4 and you wouldn’t be wrong to imagine him jumping on the beat. It’s a banger through and through. Appreciate Holy’s continued knack for selecting infectious beats.
Holy Ten is an artist known for his bouts of spontaneity. And his biggest expression of this was bringing Saint Floew on the album on the trackMwana Wenyu. But it is a collaboration that doesn’t really live up to its billing. Probably the most underwhelming track on the album. Though the message is commendable, the delivery from both Holy and SaintFloew doesn’t quite stick the landing. The energy feels off, and it lacks the replay value found in the rest of the tape. We have all craved for a Samanyanga reunion of Holy and Saint, but Mwana Wenyu doesn’t sound like the brilliant exploits they did before they parted ways. Feels like so much could have been done on this track.
But for all the undoings of the Holy-Saint reunion,Hapana Spacecomes in to restore the momentum of the album. This is it. Peak Holy Ten. Hard hitting production on an unforgettable instrumental, razor-sharp delivery, and bars that are relatable. He pretty much lays bare his soul for some cathartic effect; expressly relaying the idea that whilst alive, there isn’t much other business to be fixated on except keeping up with your business. He stands proud with his vocation.“We gonna rest kana tafa,” he raps, telling us there is basically no space to rest. No time to be shy. No distractions. Just grind. From a pure rap perspective, this is easily the standout track onMusoro weNzou.
Mapapirofeaturing Scrip Mula finds itself on the continuum of vulnerability as Holy Ten speaks about demons, stress and moving through life with latency. “Mapapiro” (wings) is a word that captures the emotional lag he feels. The mental weight is heavy and the longing for maternal support is palpable. Scrip Mula delivers a hauntingly smooth hook, matching the tone of the song perfectly.
Another low point in the album is felt on the trackDzimwe Hembe. While the lyrics are okay, the song’s sonic texture fails to engage. It’s listenable, but forgettable especially when sandwiched between stronger material.
The smash hitGanzafeaturing Oriyano is surprisingly polarizing, but undeniably catchy. Despite some saying this one didn’t land,Ganzasounds like a banger for those who enjoy Holy in his fun, flirtatious bag. Oriyano adds that flavour and this one’s sure to be a hit with the ladies.
Source: ZimSphere
Source: ZimSphere
