Over the past 2 years Kayflow is an artist who has marked himself as one of Zimbabwean hip-hop's most promising talents. Something noted by the Zim hip-hop Awards at their 2023 edition, as they gave him the Best Newcomer Award. Consistent and versatile, with regular music releases, all that was missing was a defining project, and in many ways Nyamadrive EP aims to be that.
It comes as Kayflow's debut solo project, with the added pressure of being released at a pinnacle moment in his career. Yet it seems to brush this off to the side, with it's predominantly carefree nature and reflections on life that speak to the power of hope. At it's heart, it satisfies one of the longest standing facets of hip-hop, the spirit of experimentation.
Heralded as the arrival of Afrojecha, it presents a new sound to the world. An additional sub-genre to the Zim hip-hop landscape. So what is Afrojecha? I would say that can be best answered by Kayflow and Nasper (the co-creators of this new sound bubble). However there's something about it that feels inherently Zimbabwean. It strums the eardrum with a certain familiarity yet it's new, like Afro jazz meets Zim hip-hop.
From it's sonic make up, to it's lyricism, Nyamadrive reflects the "sounds from home" in more ways one. Earning it's name from the road Kayflow grew up on, it feels deeply personal to the artist in more than a few moments.
"Gede" featuring Takura, "VIP Kana Mbombera" and "Musi Watamuka" with Nutty O deliver a vibrant energy and have an infectious feel good nature. One being a match for the other in tempo and lyricism. Perfect music for the dance floor or when one is in a celebratory mood. Although they're certainly tracks for light hearted moments, they're still alive with Kayflow's lyrical ingenuity.
However while brilliant and potentially a terrarium of earworms, the 3 opening songs of this project are overshadowed by the 2 that close it.
"Vana Vepasi" brings a shift to a more somber mood, and it is both introspective and outwardly reflective. The song has the underlying notion of accepting our limitations as people of flesh and blood, encapsulated by the song's bridge: "Tese takamirirawo nguva/Tese tichasvikirwa nezuva/Tese tichaperera muguva/Tiri vana vepasi." Social commentary is ever present and this sets the tone for the track that comes next.
"Tariro" is a heartfelt prayer, that gives Nyamadrive a fitting ending. It is the embodiment of hope, and it says while the situation may be sad we still look towards tomorrow. Kayflow is asking for God to look past his failings and intervene in his life, yet it sounds more than that. It feels like he's speaking on the behalf of the rest of us. "Tariro" is an end that looks to new beginnings. A showcase of Kayflow the storyteller, and the well of depth that makes Nyamadrive not just another feel good project.
Greedysouth rating: 7.4/10
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