Hey guys, so I thought I would share with you one of the biggest eventscoming soon in Zim (too bad I can't attend in person but I will be there in spirit), this is the Shoko Festival that will be from 18- 23 September 2012 (best mark it on your calender). So who would like to take a wild guess on what the festival is about, any takers??? Maybe this might help.
"...Boy rapping the shoko. You don’t
feel my vibe, you gon feel my smoke
yo. Feel my vocal, along this local
instrumental.."
Anoti by M.I. (One of the hottest rappers in Nigeria)
So as expected "Shoko" means "word " in most languages. So it's basically a Festival of Words and the beautiful thing is that it doesn't just focus on Zimbabwe but it focuses on diversity and cultural enlighten. It also brings into persepective the different forms of art that come in the form of words which include but are not limited to : poetry, films, live concerts and recordingsand artist debates. What better inspiration would you need?? and the thing about words is that they give a greater meaning to life as you all know that words can make or break a person and also that words are powerful.
So now i am hoping you interested in who is going to be performing, we have the likes of Synik, Tehn Diamond, Carl Joshua Ncube, Mandisa (South Africa), Natty (UK) to just mention a few
For the full line-up of artists visit : http://shokofestival.com/lineup/ and also the unique thing about Shoko is that it happens in different venues (for your convenience).
Hope this article has been of use to you.
Do share your views and opinions by commenting on this post, mentioning me in your tweet (@TheRoyalTee) or post on my facebook page, www.facebook.com/ThatZimDiva
Friday 14 September 2012
Tuesday 4 September 2012
Synik's Recipe for Classic Material : Syn City!!!
So in my intro I promised that I would be bringing to you a review of Synik's Syn City. This is most probably the most talked about album currently and if you don't know about it it's probably because you have been living in a cave. Now I think I am supposed to tell you what I like about this album but there is only one problem I don't like this album, I LOVE it . Nowadays we hear most American rap is full of swear words, girls, cars and money but has no substance but this Zim Stuff is on point.
Syn City reflects a deep, genuine and personal side of Gerald "Synik" Mugwenhi. I promise you this guy might be the solution to all world problems, bringing about World Peace...it addresses poverty, oppression, racial issues, family issues, corruption and even electricity problems lol. Basically listening to this album tells you his life story and it's like having a date with the man himself. Maybe you don't get what I am saying so let me lay it down, This is his life story, he is currently 28years old, did his first proper CD about 4years ago, he grew up in Kwekwe and later on moved to Harare where he currently stays in a "shady" block in the Avenues, he recently quit his 8-5 job to focus on his music career and he is currently in an inter-racial relationship (Sorry Ladies!!) and ask me how I know all this it's because I listened to Syn City. Yes, it is that personal.
So to my favourite songs, "Syn City" which is the title of the album and the song that has the 3D video (Cool huh?), it basically speaks about how this unique rapper thrives in the City he is living in which is Harare, I love the afro-beat (well, mbira and stuff) and the female voice that sings in vernacular. Next on my list is "Before Dawn", I will admit that before I listened to this song, I was already excited because I have listened to Tehn Diamond before, and the one thing I love about this song is the message behind it, that even when things aren't going well there is still hope and the poetic piece by Aura the Poet sends one into deep thought about life.
Then we have the master-piece "Power Cut", I guess we all know that power cuts are so common and half the time we are so frustrated when the electricity goes, but seems these guys are not. I mean they are having a party during the power cut. My favourite part is obviously Synik's verse and the story about Timmy, "Generator riri tii asi hapana dhiziri tatuma Timmy tamuudza kuti dzoka kwikiri" and there is also the appearance of some of Zim's finest MCs that is Metaphysics, MC Chita and Jnr Brown.
Next is the love song, "Losing Sleep", I was really moved by the love they share, and how they have to deal with inter-racial issues and also long distance and trust me this story is real, like as real as it gets it (I did confirm this with Synik himself). Last but not least "Walk with me", It makes me feel a part of what he stands for, to take the journey with him and understand where he is coming from and it tells of how this idea was formulated over cappucinos and how the music industry is a family. He really did a great job.
Listening to this album was a privilege, he sure is greatness in the making. And not forgetting one of the most important people in the making of this album, Begotten Sun (the producer) who Synik has referred to as a "Hip hop Elder". it was a job well executed.
So if you haven't listened to it, you can download the album for free at www.thisissynik.com and follow Synik on Twitter @synikzim. Also follow me @TheRoyalTee to keep up to date with some Zim Music.
"Here is a product I can speak to defend.....Classic Material I think we got the recipe" - Synik : "Walk with me"
Syn City reflects a deep, genuine and personal side of Gerald "Synik" Mugwenhi. I promise you this guy might be the solution to all world problems, bringing about World Peace...it addresses poverty, oppression, racial issues, family issues, corruption and even electricity problems lol. Basically listening to this album tells you his life story and it's like having a date with the man himself. Maybe you don't get what I am saying so let me lay it down, This is his life story, he is currently 28years old, did his first proper CD about 4years ago, he grew up in Kwekwe and later on moved to Harare where he currently stays in a "shady" block in the Avenues, he recently quit his 8-5 job to focus on his music career and he is currently in an inter-racial relationship (Sorry Ladies!!) and ask me how I know all this it's because I listened to Syn City. Yes, it is that personal.
So to my favourite songs, "Syn City" which is the title of the album and the song that has the 3D video (Cool huh?), it basically speaks about how this unique rapper thrives in the City he is living in which is Harare, I love the afro-beat (well, mbira and stuff) and the female voice that sings in vernacular. Next on my list is "Before Dawn", I will admit that before I listened to this song, I was already excited because I have listened to Tehn Diamond before, and the one thing I love about this song is the message behind it, that even when things aren't going well there is still hope and the poetic piece by Aura the Poet sends one into deep thought about life.
Then we have the master-piece "Power Cut", I guess we all know that power cuts are so common and half the time we are so frustrated when the electricity goes, but seems these guys are not. I mean they are having a party during the power cut. My favourite part is obviously Synik's verse and the story about Timmy, "Generator riri tii asi hapana dhiziri tatuma Timmy tamuudza kuti dzoka kwikiri" and there is also the appearance of some of Zim's finest MCs that is Metaphysics, MC Chita and Jnr Brown.
Next is the love song, "Losing Sleep", I was really moved by the love they share, and how they have to deal with inter-racial issues and also long distance and trust me this story is real, like as real as it gets it (I did confirm this with Synik himself). Last but not least "Walk with me", It makes me feel a part of what he stands for, to take the journey with him and understand where he is coming from and it tells of how this idea was formulated over cappucinos and how the music industry is a family. He really did a great job.
Listening to this album was a privilege, he sure is greatness in the making. And not forgetting one of the most important people in the making of this album, Begotten Sun (the producer) who Synik has referred to as a "Hip hop Elder". it was a job well executed.
So if you haven't listened to it, you can download the album for free at www.thisissynik.com and follow Synik on Twitter @synikzim. Also follow me @TheRoyalTee to keep up to date with some Zim Music.
"Here is a product I can speak to defend.....Classic Material I think we got the recipe" - Synik : "Walk with me"
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