Originally going by the name Nial Ainca, Lain is an artist currently on a journey of redefining herself. While both monikers are derived from her real name, Lainancia, they represent two sides of the artist. A metamorphosis. The caterpillar to the butterfly. The transition to Lain is not one of name only, but her identity as an artist.
Having taken a sabbatical from the art, she returned to making music last year (2023) and that saw her being part of the 2023 Voice2Rep cohort. Now having recently joined the OCD family (Off Centre Department), the rapper/singer has christened her name change with the EP Lost Emotion. A 7 track project with varying influences and a whirlwind of emotions.
The opener "Dolly" which features Poptain, is a duet about the perfect match. While laden with the influence of amapiano, Poptain brings a dancehall edge to the song, showcased by the lyricism of the chorus: "Pretty like a dolly, yeah you're my barbie, yeah you're my chargie." Lain's Afropop expression seems to absorb different sounds like a sponge, with the end result being genre-bending love songs that are all too relatable.
"Muzerere" has an assistive hand from Slyme Foxx & Karville, and it sees Lain reflecting on being used/played after openly giving her heart. Named after the Shona word for a swing, it sees Lain's smooth vocals offset by gruff-sounding rap performances. All through the Lost Emotion EP Lain has this uncanny ability to turn introspective thoughts and deeply personal experiences into intimate Afropop anthems that are easy on the ear.
Introduced by guitar "Chii Nhaiwe?" raises the question of why someone would break Lain's heart: "Chii nhaiwe? Chii nhaiwe? Kundityora moyo." The woozy ballad is gifted with a simplicity that makes it instantly understandable. While they're songs that defy this mould, almost everything on this project is touched by the log drum.
"Ndochema" is fuelled by pain and a search for understanding of what someone is doing wrong in a relationship. The notion of the song is defined in the lines: "I do not know what to do I do not know how to prove myself, I am human too." The replay value of Lain's music is not only apparent in the sound but the storytelling.
"Hard Cry" has shades of traditional RNB, with the feel of something right out of Kelly Rowland's discography, while "Ju Jekiseni" puts a new twist on a childhood, with an impeccable feature from Young Gemini. The musical alchemy of Lost Emotion has rnb and pop vocals over a heartbeat of Afrobeats and amapiano. It's not perfect in its execution but it works.
Lost Emotion's production is led by GT Beats, with a helping hand from Gangsta Made It, NotCoach and Garth The Producer. Although the music wanders from one to another, there's a sonic coherence at its heart, of which the production is key to that.
"Handidi Peace" closes out the project and it sees Lain taking on a rap cadence, with Noluntu J for company. It is almost a parting message that says, I may choose to be vulnerable in love but don't forget that I can fight back. Lost Emotion is the announcement of Lain to the world, and though it may be rough around the edges, it presents undeniable talent.
Greedysouth rating: 6.7/10
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