When it comes to Zimbabwe's urban music landscape, Chitungwiza is one of the few places that can boast of having a distinct sound. This has been the result of both the continuation of a long established musical heritage and the embracing of emerging trends.
Similar to how daring names such as Leonard Dembo and Nicholas Zacharia ushered in a new sound at the dawn of the country, a new generation of artists is ushering a new era for the town. One such artist is MuGaratia. The alternative singer broke onto the scene in 2022 with the hit song "Ndeyekwavo." A track that brought together hip hop, amapiano and sungura with great result.
Since then, the singer has charted his own path with an experimental sound that's unique to him. Regarded as Tanto Wavie's protege, it has sometimes felt like he is following in Tanto's footsteps. However with his debut album Pemurai Dzose, he sets himself apart (even though Tanto's producer ego "ChibeatChatanto" handles almost all of the production). While the blending of genres - Afrobeats, trap, sungura and hip hop - is still at the core of Pemurai Dzose's sound, it is MuGaratia's storytelling that defines it.
The project is deeply personal but yet goes beyond MuGaratia's lived experiences with broader reflections on society as a whole. This is all wrapped in well crafted melodies and delivered with clever wordplay and heartfelt lyricism. If something could be said is at the centre of the 13 tracks that make this album, it would be hope.
Right from the opener "Tinashe" - which happens to be MuGaratia's first name - he states how he has no fears because God is with him: "Ndingatyei ini ndinashe, nekuti zita rekuberekwa ndonzi Tinashe." The song is filled with descriptions of his hopes and aspirations, and in one moment he reaffirms his dream of collaborating with Rema, something he first stated on his 2022 hit song "Ndeyekwavo": "Ndichalinker naRema, tichagadzira banger."
These hopes and dreams are echoed on the title track "Pemurai Dzose" and on "Ghetto Midzi," along with an unshakable self belief that sees MuGaratia painting a future of success despite his struggles. On "Pemurai Dzose" he states that his confidence is on the same level as Kanye's and the track as a whole feels like a premonition of the moment he'll achieve nationwide fame (and maybe more).
"Ghetto Midzi" has reflections that touch on one of the dualities of our everyday lives. The daily struggles versus the dreams of success. Those that succeed in their daily endeavours are juxtaposed against that end the day hopeless and turn to escapism.
Vanhu maswera? Kurisei kwamaswera? Zvirisei kwamaenda? Mari matora here?
Vanhu maswera? Kurisei kwamaswera? Zvirisei kwamaenda? Ngoma madira here?
Although certainly dedicated to seeing his career flourish, finding love seems equally important to the singer. "On God," "Kimoko," "Netflix & Chill," and "Ingredients" all explore different facets of this, with "Ingredients" being especially exceptional. The remix of "Tsuri" featuring King98 comes across as a feel good record (a well executed one), and the poet Killer T once said "We cannot end the album without taking a moment for happiness."
While delving into the subjects of love, dreams for the future or commenting on the rhythm of our daily lives, he constantly puts forward the need for God and prayer. So much so that he criticises himself for not attending church as much he should on "Sunday." The song sees him embracing his flaws and accepting that he's not perfect but he desires to do better. This is a much changed MuGaratia from the one who was tortured by his emotions on his last EP, with thoughts that leaned towards suicide on the song "Guratete": "Pfungwa dziri kundimanikidza kubata gidi/Tryna pull a trigger ndiuraye nigga/Apa nigga wacho ndini, huyai muone."
The album's summation begins with "Mwari Vanoona," a word to God's constant presence and his grace, then it is completed by "Nhano," a statement on how our time on Earth is limited. If there's one thing MuGaratia reinforces, it's that we should go out there and chase the things we love, and while you may or may not agree with everything else he says, you certainly can't argue with that.
On "Ingredients" he calls himself Captain Chitungwiza, a braggadocious title to impress a love interest, but on the back on this body of work it might be deserved.
Greedysouth rating: 7.8/10
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