For an artist who has often been criticised of self aggrandisement and a certain lack of humility, the title of Holy Ten’s latest collaborative project does him little favour in denying those allegations. Alongside Michael Magz their latest project goes by name of The Bhundu Boyz. A name from Zimbabwe’s musical past.
The Bhundu Boys! The young men from the jungle. A band born in the 80s that lived until the year 2000 and was on the cusp of global fame. Arguably the most successful band in Zimbabwe’s history. They opened for Madonna, at a time when she had the world in her grasp. I mean you would be hard pressed to find another group that hit such heights.
In Holy Ten and Michael Magz’s defense however, you could argue that they have a case for the name. This is before we get to the actual music in this project. In a past yet parallel path you can see how The Bhundu Boys defined a golden era for Zimbabwean bands. Just like how Holy Ten and his stable (Samanyanga Sounds) have defined this golden era of Zimbabwean HipHop (Zimhiphop). A stretch? Maybe, but I find myself willing to play the devil’s advocate.
The Bhundu Boyz EP features 11 tracks. It has Holy Ten and Michael Magz as the main artists with features from Tamy Moyo, Poptain, Blueyita and Mr Candy. I would say it’s conception comes straight from Holy Ten’s artist development playbook. It brings to mind Holy Ten’s joint project with Saintfloew, Juta Pipo. An Extended Play that came from Samanyanga Sounds and catapulted Saintfloew to national stardom. Something The Bhundu Boyz as a project could do for Michael Magz.
The Bhundu Boyz Tracklist:
1. Mututsva
2. Mai Ju
3. Ucharamba Uchipisa ft. Poptain
4. Kupikisana Nevakuru
5. Tiri Two
6. Rugare ft. Blueyita
7. Do You Mind ft. Tamy Moyo
8. Blackside Freestyle
9. Dzokorodzo ft. Mr Candy
10. Bhundu Boyz
11. Boss Wema Nice
In drawing more on far fetched comparisons, The Bhundu Boyz project has similarities in sound to the once upon a time famous group. The band used to play a mixture of Chimurenga Music, Rock and roll, Disco, Country and Pop, giving birth to their own unique sound. In similar fashion The Bhundu Boyz draws on multiple influences.
Mututsva kicks off the project and it’s a song with great wordplay and cadence from both artists. The track has a strong trap feel that sees RnB folk catching more than a few strays from Holy Ten. Ucharamba Uchipisa brings in reggae, while Mai Ju has an Afrobeats feel to it, Do You Mind has Afropop, Boss Wema Nice is Trap Music and Tiri Two is very much Afro-fusion.
As an album The Bhundu Boyz is centred on love. Mai Ju(nior), Do You Mind, Tiri Two and Dzokorodzo all explore the subject from different angles, with Holy Ten making multiple references to his wife Kimberley Richards, and in fact his entire verse on Dzokorodzo is dedicated to her. Mai Ju has a heartstring moment on it’s chorus as the it makes reference to the legend Oliver Mtukudzi’s union with Daisy.
Uri sirivha Mai Ju
Imi vamwe garai kure
Imbondi shiridha Mai Muku
Musha mukadzi tinozvikudza
Uri sirivha Mai Ju
Imi vamwe garai kure
Imbondi shiridha Mai Muku
Uri Daisy inini ndiri Tuku
The Bhundu Boyz isn’t really a rap project in the traditional way even though it has the three key elements of a rap album in a braggadocious jam (Ucharamba Uchipisa), a story about a love interest (Mai Ju, Tiri Two, Dzokorodzo) and food for thought (Kupikisana Nevakuru). Instead of a mouthful of lyricism and ingenious bars, it leans more on the vibes, with half of it being more singing than rapping.
There’s a certain gruffness delivered by Holy Ten that’s balanced by Michael Magz’ soulful vocals. The title track Bhundu Boyz being a song that especially brings this balance to play. It has an easy tempo and striking lyrics that reflect on societal issues, with the emphasis here being about revenge porn.
Ucharamba Uchipisa stands out right from the first listen, with Do You Mind being a close second and Kupikisana Nevakuru being one that certainly grows on you. The production on the project is good and although they’re various sounds put together, it somewhat makes sense as a whole. It’s the same eclectic approach Ishan gave us on Bundu Pop and it’s an eye opener to how different Zimbabwean sounds come when infused with a particular genre.
The Bhundu Boyz certainly isn’t an instant classic but the music certainly resonates with many and will gain in appreciation over time. Whether this will be Michael Magz’ springboard into becoming a household name is still to be seen, but The Bhundu Boyz certainly embraces the sounds of the Zimbabwean jungle. A befitting title in that regard for a daring project.
