Released late February this year, They Love Mimmie came as the first full project by the talented Mimmie Tarukwana. A body of work years in coming I believe and one that couldn't come soon in enough for quite a few fans.
For most of her career Mimmie, born Mubanga Natasha Tarukwana had occupied the roles of backing vocalist and lead singer in the Outfit Band until she launched her solo career in 2018 with the release of her debut single Khetha. An upbeat yet soulful house song that features a conversation between a woman and her lover which is a vibe.
Since then, she has earned nominations for the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards and the Sky Metro FM Awards among others. She was also among few Zimbabwean artists that benefitted from Nigerian music superstar Mr Eazi’s eMpawa 100. So, before her debut project graced our ears, Mimmie had already made a name for herself yet "They Love Mimmie" as a self titled project gives the impression of a reintroduction to some extent but then again it could be her just being comfortable in her art.
The EP carries four songs with it and one feature from Asaph, who happens to be her sibling. The project is R&B soul in nature and it carries a sound that has been part of Mimmie's sound since singles like Selfish. It didn't have a song that clearly defined itself as a single on the airwaves but the project was well received.
A week or so after the EP's release, Mimmie Tarukwana was named among the 21 Female Zimbabwean artists to watch in 2021 by EarGround.
The opening track Bambelela, loosely translated means "hold on" is a hopeful song. It speaks of perseverance and its soulful nature, hits right to the core. It's uplifting and the vocal delivery from Mimmie is simply beautiful. It's a song you'll keep coming back to again and again. Before I had made it past this song I knew I loved this project.
Ngizo bambelela
Ngizo qinisela
I gotta keep my head held high
Ngoba nginamandla
Ngine themba
I gotta keep holding on
First love is definitely a theme song for "mjolo", a track for the lovers. Right from the opening verse Mimmie hits us with lyrics like, "If this love is a dream then let me sleep..." Mimmie describes it as a song to remind one about their first love. It's a rich song full of feelings and also a wonder how Mimmie blends English and Ndebele lyrics together with ease. The track was blessed with the release of a video on Friday and the visuals are perfect for it. Mimmie looks enchanting and ephemeral as she gently sings:
Ungowami ungowami ungowami
Sthandwa sami
Ungowami ungowami
My first love...
The video is sprinkled with various scenes of soft intimacy and it's amazing directed work from Marcus of Black Ink Creates. The visuals truly capture the feeling of the sound and they're a pleasure to watch.
Because of you features strong house (Southern African house) influences and verges on Amapiano. The pairing of the vocals and the smooth instrumental is perfect for me on this one. I could put this song on and be transported to another planet within the music where everything just flows. It's filled with healing and peace, if that makes sense. It has a way of drawing your body to vibe to the music.
One Time comes through with a vibrant sound and infectious energy. The King of the vibes, Asaph delivers exactly just that. It's the kind of song that makes you want to clap along to it or even get up and dance. It's the perfect piece to this 4 piece puzzle. They Love Mimmie has a beautiful exploration of different sounds that simply comes together. Shamex and Da Kudu are given the production credits (among others) on this project. They Love Mimmie sounds beautiful and will surely age better.
Greedysouth rating: 7.4/10