The Urban Grooves era is without a doubt one of the most important periods in Zimbabwe's contemporary music landscape. New sounds were made and shaped, while new stars also rose to the fore.
When it came to an end, Zimbabwean music was certainly changed for better but however more than a few names that had defined that period fell by the wayside, barring a few exceptions. Key among those being ExQ. A man once referred to as the last Urban Groover standing.
The singer has proven himself adaptable, to not only changes in sound at home but across the globe. In a career spanning well over 2 decades, ExQ has maintained the elements of his artistry that first captured the Zimbabwean audience in 2002. All the while showcasing his versatility, and 8 albums later he's still releasing music as effervescent as when he began.
Chi-HATRICK is the singer's latest release and it is 3 track EP centred on ExQ's favourite subject, love. Produced by ExQ's longtime collaborator DJ Tamuka, the project has everything we've come to love about the duo's work together. In a catalogue that has been head and shoulders above most, it fits right in. The latest chapter of a glittering career.
Afrobeats in sound, the EP features Delroy Shewe and ALVIN tha NEW GUY. It is defined by great production and ExQ's ability to find a new angle of conversation about the subject of love. Melodic and laden with clever lyricism born out of ExQ's background as a rapper, Chi-HATRICK has something that'll appeal to everyone.
"AWE" is the pleading of a case to a love interest, that sees Delroy Shewe and ExQ balancing melodies and lyricism that seems heartfelt in one moment and a whispered "sweet nothing" the next. As we've come to expect the music is easy on the ear and laden with infectious time.
"DIWAWO" has an upbeat nature, although it sees ExQ expressing that he's tired of those that waste his time and he too wants to be truly loved. It is catchy without being repetitive and that has a lot to do with it's production. "DEYA" takes inspiration from the popular childhood game Amina and it also samples the war cry "I want to see your mother."
If Chi-HATRICK has a failing it's that its simply too short. Yet that was by design. A reminder of ExQ's brilliance. Timeless. As good as when the singer began.
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