A meeting of soulful Afro jazz, reggae and rhythms rooted in Zimbabwean traditional sounds, "Gumbo Mutsvairo" is the latest product from the music factory of Afrojecha. Wrapped in softly sung melodies and rich Shona lyricism, the track is a somber tale about infidelity that brings together one of the country's most versatile producers and one of it's most gifted Shona lyricists.
Born out of a conversation in the studio between the two collaborators, "Gumbo Mutsvairo" is fuelled by real life situations. Nasper wears both the hats of singer and producer, delivering smooth vocals on the hook, while Bush Baby X offers a verse of captivating storytelling. The rapper also honours his late uncle, who passed away due to an unfaithful spouse: "Ndarangarira bamunini vangu Sengejira/Bhiza rekukwereta tasva wakaringa zhira."
Nasper and Bush Baby X have long had a working relationship together, and the chemistry between the duo is easy to see.
"The thing I respect the most about Nasper is his unyielding dedication to making good music. That requires a great deal of honesty and self-criticism. Nasper's choice of sonics always complement my songwriting and rarely do we ever struggle or labour through a song. It all comes naturally," shared Bush Baby X in an interview.
"Gumbo Mutsvairo" feels distinctly Zimbabwean and this all due to the Afrojecha sound at it's heart. A sub genre less than a year old but already defining itself and gaining admirers among both artists and music fans. Bush Baby X sees it as a chance for artists rally behind something authentically Zimbabwean.
"I think Afrojecha is an opportunity for us as an industry to finally create our own authentic Zimbabwean sound. It is original, and deeply woven in our social fabric. The sub genre borrows a great deal from folk music and storytelling which enriches its historical pedigree while at the same time allowing for new and modern sounds to be explored." - Bush Baby X
The single was accompanied by crisp visuals from 99 Orange Inc - directed by Blu Mordecai - that perfectly encapsulate the tale being narrated on the track. The colour palette and the fashion are an image from a distant decade yet modern and there is a meeting of the rural and urban landscape.
You can watch "Gumbo Mutsvairo" below:
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